Page 98 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Did you say, George Wickham?”

“Yes.”

For a moment, Elizabeth could think of nothing to say.

The name was linked indelibly to Lydia. To Papa lying wounded in the carriage. To the terrible hours at Longbourn and all the months Elizabeth had wondered what had become of her youngest sister.

And now it belonged to Georgiana as well.

Mr. Darcy had turned from the window.

“You know of him?”

“Yes. I know of him, although I never met him.”

Georgiana stopped sobbing and stared at Elizabeth.

“He took my youngest sister.”

Georgiana's fingers tightened around hers.

“Lydia was but fifteen. She was lively and impulsive and far too pleased by the attentions of the militia officers. Wickham persuaded her to leave with him, and my sister went willingly, believing whatever promises he had made her.”

Mr. Darcy's expression hardened, but he did not interrupt.

“Papa went after them as soon as we discovered she was gone. He found them in St. Albans waiting for the mail coach.”

Elizabeth stopped speaking, and Georgiana pressed her hand.

“When Papa found them, Wickham shot him and left him lying in the street. Before he fled, he told Papa what he intended to do with Lydia. He gloated that he meant to sell her to a madam in London.”

Elizabeth swallowed.

“Papa sacrificed his life trying to save her, and Lydia was still lost.”

“Oh, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth tried to continue, but grief closed her throat.

Georgiana searched her pocket and held out a handkerchief. “Lizzy, take mine. It is clean.”

Elizabeth accepted it and patted her eyes.

Mr. Darcy crossed the room and sat on Elizabeth's other side. He said nothing, but his presence comforted her.

After a few moments, Elizabeth continued.

“Papa died that night.”

Georgiana leaned against her. “I am so sorry.”

Elizabeth put an arm around her.

“Mamma died a few hours later. I believe the shock was more than she could bear.”

Mr. Darcy looked stricken.

Elizabeth lowered her eyes to the handkerchief in her lap and smoothed one corner between her fingers.