Page 61 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Maddie, you look remarkably well. You did not bring little Edward with you.”

“No, Elena. As this is but a brief visit to bring Lizzy to you, he has remained at home with my eldest niece, Jane. We shall stay only three days before returning to London. Edward has pressing business on behalf of a client. But we shall see you again when you come to London for the Season, shall we not?”

“Yes, I will send a note when I am in town.”

The two sisters soon fell into easy conversation, but they could not long hold Elizabeth's attention. She looked instead to Mr. Darcy, who was conversing with Mr. Radcliff and Uncle Edward, on her other side.

“Do you intend to return to London for the Season, Darcy?”

“No. My plans are not yet settled. I am considering the purchase of land in America. Should matters proceed as I hope, I may travel there early in the new year.”

All the guests were captivated as Mr. Darcy spoke of his plans to travel to Boston to invest in property there. The half hour passed swiftly, and Elizabeth felt an unexpected pang of sadness when he rose and, looking to his hostess, said, “We have imposed upon your hospitality long enough. If we leave now, we shall reach Pemberley before the dinner hour. My household is expecting us.”

The company rose and accompanied the Darcys to the front door. Georgiana walked beside Elizabeth.

“Lizzy, I hope we shall meet again very soon.”

Elizabeth gave the girl's hand a gentle squeeze. “I am certain we shall. We are but five miles from your home, I believe.”

Mr. Darcy corrected. “Pemberley lies only three miles from Ashcroft Manor.”

Elizabeth's face brightened. “Is that so? Then, Georgiana, we are certain to meet again. If your brother permits, you may ride out to visit me whenever you are at leisure, and I shall look forward to seeing you again. Perhaps we might even visit Arbor Low together. You may show me the barrow and walk with me about the henge.”

“I should like that very much, Lizzy,” Georgiana replied.

Mr. Darcy raised an eyebrow. “You wish to visit the stone circle, Miss Elizabeth?”

“I do, sir. I have read a great deal about it and have formed a lively desire to see it with my own eyes, to walk among the ancient stones, climb the barrow, and trace the circumference of the henge.”

“I hope you will not be disappointed, ma'am. In the spring, it is surrounded by wildflowers, making it a particularly charming destination for a picnic or a country walk. At this season, however, there is rather less to admire.”

Mr. Radcliff spoke then. “Now I beg to differ, Darcy. The banks of the great earthwork are still clothed in green grass. Here and there they are touched with gold, but the place remains remarkably lovely. Though Arbor Low stands upon a hill, the surrounding countryside is dotted with woodlands of ash, beech, sycamore, oak, and hawthorn. It is a charming place, and I would wager that two young ladies such as yourselves would find it entirely to your taste.”

Elizabeth looked to her new friend. “Well then, I believe it has been decided. Let us meet at the monument and enjoy a walk together.”

Georgiana's eyes brightened with excitement. “May we meet tomorrow?” Catching herself, she added anxiously, “Or is that too soon? Perhaps you have other plans.”

Elizabeth looked to her aunt and uncle, the question plain upon her face.

“Lizzy,” Mr. Gardiner said, “I know you will not sleep contentedly until you have seen the stone circle with your own eyes. We shall not make you wait. Indeed, I shall escort you there myself. It is a delightful walk.”

He looked to his wife, amusement lurking in his hazel eyes. “I imagine Maddie will wish to remain behind and visit with her sister, and she will not miss me in the least. In fact, I shall be doing her a favor by removing myself from the house so that she and Elena may enjoy a comfortable visit.”

The two older ladies laughed at his jest, and the matter was settled. They would meet Georgiana at eleven o'clock the following morning at the ancient monument Elizabeth had spent so many hours reading about.

As he was on the point of leaving the house, Mr. Darcy paused and said, “Miss Elizabeth, I shall accompany my sister on her ride to the henge, if that is agreeable to you.”

Elizabeth was pleased by the proposal, though she took care not to betray it.

“That would be most kind of you, sir. I have a great many questions about the area, and perhaps you will be able to answer some of them.”

“I shall do my best.”

He bowed, then took his leave.

Dinner was a pleasant affair. The two Radcliffs were kind-hearted people who missed having their children about them. Mrs. Radcliff fussed over Elizabeth, making certain she had enough to eat. Did she enjoy the fish? Had she enough wine? Would she care for another bun?

Elizabeth cast amused eyes toward her aunt, who answered with a knowing look, as if to say, I told you she would be delighted to keep you as long as ever you wished to stay.