Page 142 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“I am prepared to accept that difficulty.”

Mrs. Younge drew herself straighter. “Surely there has been some misunderstanding. If you will allow me to speak with Miss Darcy, I am certain we can settle whatever has troubled her.”

“My sister has nothing to do with this decision.”

“Then I confess I understand it even less.”

Darcy’s eyes narrowed. Would Mrs. Younge admit to knowing Wickham? He decided to take the chance.

“What of George Wickham, ma’am?”

Her face blanched.

“Did he send you to us?”

She looked away but made no reply.

“I believe he told you of this position. If I write to the persons who provided your references, what will I discover, ma’am? Are they falsified?”

Mrs. Younge stood, curtsied, and left the room without answering.

Fitzwilliam reached for the call bell. When Higgins entered, he said, “Mrs. Younge will be leaving us today. Please accompany her upstairs and see that Jenny assists with her packing.”

Fitzwilliam remained at his desk while the household went about the unexpected business of Mrs. Younge’s departure. An hour later, the sound of a carriage reached him from the street.

He crossed to the window in time to see Mrs. Younge enter the carriage. Higgins closed the door behind her, and it pulled away from Darcy House.

Fitzwilliam had changed the course of his sister’s life.

* * *

Fitzwilliam returned to his aunt’s townhouse late that afternoon and found Georgiana with Lady Helen in the drawing room.

His sister rose when he entered. He knew from the question in her eyes what she wished to know and simply inclined his head.

Lady Helen appeared piqued by their silent exchange but did not question them.

“I want you both to return for dinner. Richard expects to be back from the War Office by six, which will give you time to visit before we dine.”

“We would be pleased to join you, Aunt Helen.”

“Excellent. I also wish to speak with both of you about an invitation I received to a soiree at the Ramsburys’. Miss Ramsbury will be there, Fitzwilliam. Richard has told me how thoroughly she has caught your eye.”

Fitzwilliam recoiled before he could prevent it.

His aunt appeared not to notice, but Georgiana’s hand tightened around his. She rested her other hand upon his arm, and he covered it with his own.

“Thank you, Aunt Helen, but I have changed my mind about Miss Ramsbury.”

Lady Helen stared at him. “Since when?”

“Recently.”

“Well, I am sorry to hear it. She is a lovely young woman, who commands a large dowry and everything I know of her family recommends the connection.”

“I am sure it does. She is a lovely young lady, but I do not wish to pursue the connection, Aunt.”

“I feel certain you would change your mind if you would only see her again.”