Page 184 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Georgiana sighed. “I wish I had had sisters.”

Kitty slipped her arm through Georgiana's. “Come with me, Miss Darcy. I shall show you everything.”

She led Georgiana around the hermitage, pointing out the places where they had played and then taking her inside. Elizabeth and Darcy waited with the others until the two girls emerged again.

As Kitty rejoined them, she said, “When we reach the edge of the garden, you will see our swing. Would you like to take a turn on it with me? I am certain Lizzy will push us.”

“I should like it very much.”

They continued toward the garden, and when the old wooden swing came into view, Kitty hurried toward it with Georgiana.

“Come, Lizzy. Will you push us?”

Before Elizabeth could answer, Darcy stepped forward. “Allow me, Miss Kitty. I shall push you.”

Kitty and Georgiana settled themselves upon the seat, and Darcy set the swing in motion.

Elizabeth stood beside him.

As the two girls swung beneath the branches, Georgiana's laughter mingled with Kitty's. Elizabeth raised her eyes to Darcy and studied his beloved face.

After Kitty and Georgiana had enjoyed a turn on the swing, Caroline approached her brother.

“Charles, will you push Jane and me so that we may have a turn as well? I never had a swing and would very much like to see what it feels like.”

“I should be delighted.”

Caroline took Jane's hand and drew her toward the swing. The others moved back to give them room as Bingley set them in motion.

Kitty said, “Lydia and I used the swing more than anyone else, for it was Lydia's particular delight.”

Georgiana's eyes met Elizabeth's.

Kitty went on, “Mamma disliked us coming this far from the house, but Lydia was forever persuading me that she would never know.”

“Kitty,” Elizabeth said gently.

Kitty lowered her eyes. “Excuse me. I forgot myself.”

When Caroline and Jane were assisted from the swing, they returned to the others, and the party started back toward the gardens.

Mary resumed her place beside Caroline. “Miss Bingley, have you ever embroidered a fire screen?”

“Not one I was willing to display. I began one last winter and became so dissatisfied with the flowers that I put it away.”

Jane said, “Then you must bring it when next you come. Perhaps it is not so hopeless as you believe.”

“I shall, if you promise not to laugh at it.”

“I would never laugh at another woman's needlework. I have removed enough of my own stitches to know better.”

Caroline laughed. “Then I shall bring it.”

Bingley looked from his sister to Jane. “I believe you have just ensured that Caroline will become a regular visitor to Longbourn.”

“I hope she will,” Jane said.

“If Miss Bennet means to help rescue my unfortunate fire screen, I certainly shall.”