Page 70 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

When had everything changed? In May, when Lydia marched into the house carrying hawthorn branches laden with blossoms.

Elizabeth gathered her thoughts and answered him. “Sir, my Papa began my education when I was ten years old. Our most recent studies concerned the works of the antiquarians. I found these accounts especially interesting, so I devoted a page in my notebook to them.”

She reached over and picked up the notebook. “I have made notations of all the areas of interest.”

She leafed through the book until she located two pages filled with notes. “I have listed all five and twenty ancient monuments found here in Derbyshire.” She read several aloud. “Nine Stone Close, Doll Tor Stone Circle, the Bull Ring, Nine Ladies Stone Circle, Arbor Low Stone Circle and Henge.”

She indicated a star beside Arbor Low. “This monument especially caught our interest, and I determined that I must visit it. I meant to seek a position as a governess, if possible, so I might come here on my day of leisure, but Aunt Maddie decided instead to ask Mrs. Radcliff to invite me as a guest. And here I am.”

Mr. Darcy’s expression was grave. His brow furrowed, and his mouth tightened. “Hire yourself out, ma’am?”

“Yes, sir. I am an orphan and have no dowry to speak of. I have only my father’s collection of books, including some first editions, but I doubt I could ever bring myself to sell them unless necessity compelled me. I would rather seek a position as a governess and earn my keep.”

His expression softened. “You might also marry, ma’am.”

Heat rose in her cheeks, but she made no answer.

He pursued the subject. “Is marriage so appalling?”

“Sir, I am a penniless orphan. I am hardly likely to attract a man whom I could respect or with whom I might have anything in common. If one is to live in holy matrimony with another for the rest of one’s life, surely, they ought to share some common interest upon which they may converse. Otherwise, Mr. Darcy, marriage would prove a bleak prospect for both.”

His expression warmed. “Yes. I understand you. Though I doubt any man would find you a bleak prospect, Miss Elizabeth, perhaps you might find some difficulty in meeting a man of substance who could converse well enough to keep an engaging woman interested. We are a sad lot, ma’am, more interested in horseflesh and crops than in refined pursuits.”

Elizabeth laughed. “You are clever, sir, but I take your meaning. Let us change the subject, for I find it exceedingly taxing. My Papa always used to say, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’”

Mr. Darcy rose, and the two women followed suit. “Miss Elizabeth, the morning has been extremely agreeable, but we have trespassed upon your hospitality long enough.”

Georgiana took Elizabeth’s hand. “Lizzy, may I come and study with you?”

“You wish to study with me?”

“Yes. I promise I will keep silent and spend my time reading. I will not interfere with your studies.”

Elizabeth laughed. “You may come, then, since you promise to be an earnest little scholar.” She addressed Mr. Darcy and, from his expression, suspected he too wished to be included. “Sir, may your sister study with me tomorrow?”

Georgiana placed a hand upon his arm. “Fitzwilliam, I promise I will comport myself as befits a gentlewoman.”

“Yes, of course. We can ride over together, and I will return for you at the appointed time.”

Mr. Gardiner had drawn near and now extended an invitation of his own. “We are going fishing tomorrow. Perhaps you would care to join us? I cannot promise company equal to what you have enjoyed this morning, but there is the trout.”

Mr. Darcy grinned. “You mean to fish Mill Brook?”

“Yes. We hope to catch some trout for our dinner.”

Darcy accepted, and they agreed to meet at half past ten the following day.

“The trout should be rising by then. It will be too chilly much earlier.”

“I look forward to it, Sir. I shall come a little earlier to leave Georgiana.” Darcy addressed Elizabeth. “Unless nine o’clock is too early for you, ma’am?”

“No, sir. I am an early riser. I shall have been at my books for an hour by then.”

Chapter 28: Displeasure

After the Darcys departed, Elizabeth returned to her books and applied herself in earnest. She had spent much of the morning away and meant to make up the lost time.

At half past two, her aunt came for her. “Lizzy, Elena has set out a fine luncheon in the breakfast parlor. Come and eat.”