Page 88 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“You spoil her, papa.”

Dr. Wynn conceded the point with a movement of his head before his daughter brought him to Elizabeth.

“This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

His attention settled upon her. “One of Thomas Bennet's daughters?”

“Yes, sir.”

He took her offered hand. “Maddie has written a great deal about you. I am sorry that we meet under such unhappy circumstances.”

“Thank you, Dr. Wynn.”

“She tells me you have been a comfort to your sisters.”

The familiar ache returned at the thought of Jane, Mary, and Kitty, and of the sister for whom no comfort had been possible. Elizabeth would not bring Lydia into this room.

“We have been a comfort to one another, sir.”

“That is often the better arrangement.”

Mrs. Radcliff poured her father coffee. “Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy are dining with us this evening. Miss Georgiana has grown into a young woman now.”

Elizabeth reached for her cup before anyone could notice how much that news pleased her.

* * *

The Darcys arrived before dinner, and Elizabeth understood within minutes that Dr. Wynn had not exaggerated the claims of his old patients. He had known Fitzwilliam Darcy for his entire life.

“Darcy.”

“Dr. Wynn.”

They shook hands with the ease of long acquaintance.

Wynn looked him over. “You have grown no less serious.”

“Nor have you lost your inclination to tell me so, sir.”

“One of the privileges of having known you before you could speak is that I need not be impressed by you now.”

Mr. Radcliff laughed, and Elizabeth saw the beginning of a smile upon Mr. Darcy's face.

Dr. Wynn turned to Georgiana.

She came forward when her brother brought her to him, and she made her curtsy.

“Miss Darcy. Come and let me see you.”

Georgiana obeyed.

“You have changed more than your brother.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You favor your mother about the eyes.”

Georgiana's expression altered.