Page 68 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Elizabeth raised a brow. “Now, sir, why would you think so? Some young ladies might prefer Hatchard’s, John Murray’s, or Lackington’s Temple of the Muses. In fact, sir, I never find sufficient time to visit all the booksellers when I am in town.”

“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I see that my thoughtless remark has offended you. You have exposed a prejudice I did not know I held.”

When Elizabeth met his eyes, his contrition appeared sincere. Amusement touched her expression.

“Sir, your contrition is so marked that I have no other course but to accept your apology.” She regarded him for another moment. “As I imagine many a woman before me has done. I suspect, Mr. Darcy, that few could long be angry with you, even should they wish it.”

Both he and Mr. Gardiner laughed.

“Lizzy, dear, you are being impertinent. Mr. Darcy will think you badly brought up.”

“Not at all, sir. For my part, I imagine it difficult to take offense at anything Miss Elizabeth might say or do. Her disposition is so lively and playful, and she is so apt to laugh, that one scarcely dares think anything amiss with her.”

Elizabeth and Georgiana both suppressed their laughter at this speech. When Mr. Darcy gazed into her eyes, amusement and affection lit his. To be valued by such a man surpassed her fondest hopes, and happiness swelled within her breast.

They continued the two miles to the gardens of the Radcliff estate, Georgiana leading Ares, Mr. Darcy’s mount. He assisted his sister from the saddle, and they all went in to tea.

Chapter 27: Regard

Comfortable before the warm fire, in the drawing room, Elizabeth caught her aunt searching Mr. Gardiner’s face, and he answered with a brief inclination of his head. Then Aunt Maddie’s gaze fell upon Elizabeth, and she knew herself the object of their conjecture.

Georgiana settled beside her and Elizabeth regarded the girl with affection. “I love your henge, Georgiana. I have been quite absorbed in reading about it, but now that I have seen it, walked upon the banks, and touched the stones, I am even more enthralled by its mystery.”

“Lizzy, I suppose I have not valued it as I should. Seeing it through your eyes has opened mine. Shall I get to see your books, the ones you have been studying?”

“If you like. I cannot imagine they contain much to engage a young girl such as yourself.”

“If they interest you, Lizzy, then I am certain I shall value them.”

Mr. Radcliff said, “Miss Georgiana, you always play for me when you and your brother visit. Will you favor us today?”

Georgiana rose. “It is my pleasure, sir.”

She crossed to the pianoforte, took her place at the instrument, and played Beethoven’s Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia.

The haunting melody held them all, and when she had finished, Elizabeth asked hopefully, “Would you play Passacaille?”

The girl asked, “Do you mean Handel's Passacaille in G minor?”

“I believe that is the one I mean. I heard it once at a musical entertainment at the Theatre Royal, but I was only ten at the time. I remember it being played on a harpsichord.” She looked to her aunt. “Do you remember, Aunt Maddie?”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. “I am sorry, Lizzy. I remember taking you, but I have no recollection of what we heard.”

Georgiana said, “Handel’s original was written for the harpsichord. I will play it for you, and you will tell me if it is the piece you are remembering.”

The passacaglia was beautifully executed, and applause and compliments followed. Georgiana resumed her place beside Elizabeth as Mrs. Gardiner said, “Elena, Lizzy sings. You shall have a songbird among you for the next several months.”

Mr. Radcliff said, “I have missed my little songbird ever since she married and left us. I have often complained that Mrs. Radcliff married her off far too young.”

Mrs. Radcliff said, “Had I known what a void her leaving us would create in the family circle, I would have made Sir James wait another two years for her. But what is done is done.”

“And she is very happy, is she not?” Mrs. Gardiner said. Then, looking to Elizabeth, she asked, “Lizzy, dear, will you sing Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight?”

Elizabeth rose. “Yes, Aunt. If you are determined upon melancholy, I shall oblige you.”

She crossed to the instrument and took her place upon the bench, letting her fingertips brush lightly over the ivory keys. A Broadwood grand. Never had she expected to play upon so fine an instrument.

She placed her hands upon the keys, closed her eyes, and began to play. Then her voice rose in song. The music soon carried her away, and when the final notes faded, applause filled the room.