Page 86 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

They emptied and washed the wooden box, then went to Elizabeth’s bedchamber, where Georgiana washed her face and hands and rinsed her mouth. They emptied the water into the water closet and washed the basin.

“How are you feeling, Georgiana?”

“I feel quite well, Lizzy. It is difficult to believe I felt faint and sick but ten minutes ago.”

“Come, dear. Let us return this basin to my bedchamber and then go down to your brother, for I imagine he is quite worried about you.”

The two young women were back at the table with their books not twenty minutes after Georgiana had fallen ill.

Mr. Darcy said, “I should be interested in reading this book by Borlase, ma’am. May I borrow it?”

“Yes, sir. I have little hope of reading it anytime soon.”

“Which one is it, Brother?”

He read the title aloud. “Observations on the Antiquities, Historical and Monumental, of the County of Cornwall.”

“I will read it for you, Miss Elizabeth, as Georgiana is doing with the Camden volume. This one appears particularly interesting, as it concerns theories about ancient British monuments, Druids, stone circles, barrows, and cromlechs.”

He raised his eyes. “And I shall be certain to take copious notes of anything pertaining to the mystical, magical, or mysteriously miraculous.”

Her eyes brightened at his playfulness. Apparently, he did not think her a witch.

“Thank you, sir. I do appreciate your help, for time is running short.”

“Is it, ma’am?”

She flushed but concealed her dismay well enough. “Yes, sir. You know my uncle will return for me in late December or early January, and then I shall hire myself out as a governess. I wish to make the most of my leisure and hope to finish my studies before I become a working woman.”

“Ah, yes. Time is running short. I shall do my best for you, Miss Elizabeth.”

The siblings stayed with Elizabeth until half past one, when Mrs. Radcliff entered and found all three bent over their books, deep in study. She stopped midway into the room.

“Why, sir, I did not know you or your sister were still here. It was so silent each time I passed by.”

Mr. Darcy straightened in his chair and pulled out his watch. “Mrs. Radcliff, I apologize, ma’am. I have overstayed my welcome.”

“Not at all, Mr. Darcy. I do not complain. I have only observed that I have never known three people to lose themselves in books so completely as not to utter a word for several hours.”

He grinned. “We dare not, ma’am, or Miss Elizabeth will send us packing. We are welcome to stay with her only so long as we keep our noses to the grindstone.”

Elizabeth and Georgiana laughed, and Mrs. Radcliff joined them with an unladylike laugh of her own.

“Sir, I had not known you to be anything but staid. I rather prefer the droll Mr. Darcy to the staid gentleman who presides over Pemberley.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Radcliff. You are very kind to overlook our intrusion. We have stayed too long and imposed upon your generous hospitality.” He rose, and Georgiana followed. “You will excuse us.”

“Sir, I beg you both to stay. I came to call Elizabeth to join us for a late luncheon. It is laid in the breakfast parlor, and Mr. Radcliff has spent the morning with the husbandman. He wishes to tell me what he discovered, but I confess I have no head for such matters. He will be gratified to learn you are here and will most likely talk your ear off, for he is very concerned about his sheep and fears he may lose the entire flock.”

Mr. Darcy’s brow drew together. “I pray not, ma’am. I shall stay and speak with him, for if illness has struck his flock, others may follow.”

Elizabeth and Georgiana entered behind the others. Elizabeth was serving her plate when Georgiana approached and whispered in her ear.

“Lizzy, the odor of the fish sickens me.”

“Give me your plate, dear. I shall bring you some bread with marmalade and a few sliced apples. Go to the far end of the table where the odor will not trouble you, and I shall join you.”

Georgiana did as Elizabeth suggested. When Elizabeth brought her bread with marmalade on the side, Georgiana ate it dry and nibbled at the apples.