Page 78 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“No, sir. I am sad because I do enjoy a run in the morning. I cannot very well ask one of Mr. Radcliff’s footmen to attend me, for I know it is a highly improper exercise for a gentlewoman. And since I can no longer wear my running costume, I fear I am reduced to walking.”

They walked on in silence and then stopped at the edge of the moor, just beyond Georgiana’s hearing. They watched as she searched the scrub for the abandoned nest.

“Miss Elizabeth, my sister and I could ride here in the mornings and meet you at the gate. We could accompany you while you run. Have you no other costume that is less...”

“Shocking, sir?”

“Revealing,” he supplied.

“I could wear my pelisse over it. I have shortened an old one so the fabric will not entangle my legs. It falls to mid-calf, and I wear my trousers underneath. I wear it on winter mornings when I cannot endure the cold.”

“Yes, that would answer very well. I shall warn my sister beforehand so that your attire does not shock her.”

Elizabeth briefly laid her hand upon his forearm and pressed it. “Thank you, sir. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. As I said, I have run most mornings since I was fourteen. I do not know why, but the exercise gives me energy and lightens my spirits. I feel as though I can face almost anything when I begin my day in such a manner.”

He looked at her, understanding in his eyes. “I imagine it helps you bear the loss of your father.”

“Yes, sir. And my mother and youngest sister.”

Her throat tightened with emotion and her eyes filled. His kindness had been too tender. It had touched something within her, and now the well of grief opened. She sniffed and reached for her handkerchief, drawing it from her sleeve to wipe her eyes.

Georgiana saw and came running. “What is it, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth suppressed a sob and shook her head. “Remember how I told you earlier that I lost my Papa in May? The grief is still very fresh, and sometimes it rises when I least expect it. But now that we are out walking and the sun is shining, my spirits will soon recover. Am I permitted to help you search for the nest?”

“Yes, come, Lizzy. You search on the right, and I shall search on the left.”

Not ten minutes later, Georgiana discovered a neat, cup-shaped nest tucked into the scrub.

“Come and see, Lizzy. It is the sweetest little nest, hidden away in here.”

Elizabeth went to her and watched as Georgiana carefully freed the abandoned nest from the branches.

They walked on, and presently Mr. Darcy said, “We turn to the left here. The brook lies just beyond those trees, not half a mile away, where the alders and willows are growing.”

Elizabeth saw a line of trees stretching along the edge of the moor. “Has anyone caught anything yet, sir?”

“Yes. We have all caught a trout. Your uncle has taken two already.”

Elizabeth brightened. “I am glad, sir, for he seldom has the pleasure of fishing. He spends so much of his time in London attending to business.”

They conversed pleasantly until they reached the brook. Mr. Gardiner propped his rod against a rock and came to meet them.

“Lizzy, we have three trout for our dinner already. I can almost taste them. Your rod is here, and your box of flies is there upon that flat stone.”

“Thank you, Uncle. Please, return to your sport. I am going to teach Georgiana how to cast a line today. You need not trouble yourself to entertain me.”

“Very well, Niece. I know you are skilled at the sport, and I shall take you at your word.”

Elizabeth took up her rod and box of flies. “Come, Georgiana. Let us find ourselves a likely fishing hole.”

“Hand me the bird’s nest, Sister. I shall set it atop my lunch basket.”

Mr. Darcy followed them. When they began climbing over the boulders bordering the brook, he said, “Miss Elizabeth, allow me to carry your rod and box so that you may have your hands free.”

Her eyes brightened. “Thank you, sir.” She handed them to him. “Navigating these stones is somewhat more difficult while wearing skirts.”

She flushed, and he grinned.