Page 49 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes.

“Aunt, I would go tomorrow if I were able. I wish to see everything I can. I long to spend time at each place and to speak with the older people who still remember these tales.”

“Then, my dear, set aside your efforts to obtain a position, at least for the next few months, and I shall write to my sister to ask whether she would receive my niece as her guest. How long would you wish to remain?”

“Until mid-January, Aunt Maddie. Along with Arbor Low and the stone circles, I should like to learn the folk traditions surrounding Michaelmas, All Hallows' Eve, Christmas Day, and Twelfth Night. I wish to learn the customs and folklore associated with those observances that have been lost over time. Perhaps they still live in the memories of some of the older people in that part of the country.”

Mrs. Gardiner regarded her niece with affection.

“Lizzy, you seem a little more like yourself again, as you were before all this tragedy befell your family. For that reason alone, I am certain my sister will welcome you. Her children have all left home. Only she, her husband, and my father remain. I daresay she will gladly receive you for as long as you wish to remain.”

Elizabeth brushed away the tears that would not be denied.

“Aunt, you have made me very happy. You have given me something to look forward to.”

Mrs. Gardiner inclined her head toward Jane.

“And Jane also has something to look forward to. She has regained her bloom almost overnight.”

“And her appetite as well,” Elizabeth added happily.

“We will begin shopping for your wardrobe tomorrow. By the time we arrange your visit, it will be mid-September or early October. I shall ask Edward to permit you to lay aside your mourning clothes. I want you to be happy, my girl, and wearing pretty gowns will help. Since you are unknown in Derbyshire, no one will look askance at you.”

Chapter 21: Consequences

The two cousins arrived at the leased residence the next morning at nine o'clock. The thought that Wickham might have taken Georgiana and fled tormented Darcy throughout the long night. The villain would surely use her to bargain for her dowry.

Darcy sprang from the carriage before it came to a stop, Richard close behind, and both men hurried up the front steps. As they entered the house, the butler stepped forward.

“Smithers, call Georgiana down. I wish to speak with her.”

The butler replied, “Sir, the only person in residence at present is Mr. Wickham.”

“Wickham? Where is that devil?”

“Mr. Wickham is in the drawing room, sir. He...”

Darcy and Richard were gone before the butler finished. They threw open the door, entered, and stopped short.

Wickham lay sprawled across the couch, his left arm and leg hanging over the edge. An empty bottle lay on the floor beside him. He was fully dressed, and stubble covered his jaw.

Richard said, “It appears the scoundrel never made it to bed last night.”

The butler said, “In fact, sir, he did not. Mr. Wickham spent most of the previous night abroad. He returned to the house yesterday at about ten in the morning, staggering drunk, then continued drinking until he became insensible. He has not stirred since. He was in a violent temper, and I thought it best to let him sleep it off.”

Richard crossed to the couch and looked down at the man. “Darcy, I say, Wickham looks bad. His face is gray.”

Darcy joined his cousin. “He does look gray. Richard, is he dead?”

Richard stood silent, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene before him.

Darcy bent to shake the man's shoulder, then snatched his hand away. “Richard, he is stiff. I think he has been dead for several hours.”

Richard leaned over Wickham's face, then recoiled with a grimace.

“Wickham cast up his accounts at some point. He was so drunk, I believe he choked upon his own vomit. I say, Darcy, he might have drunk himself to death.”

Darcy asked, “What makes you think so?”