Page 7 of Twice Chosen

"Kitty! Give it back!"

Elizabeth's eyes flew open. She lay still while Kitty's answering protest sounded from somewhere beyond the door, followed by another accusation and a door slammed hard enough to shake the frame.

Elizabeth stared at the familiar canopy above her.

Not Pemberley.

Longbourn.

She sat upright. Her body obeyed immediately. No pain in her hip. No stiffness in her hands. Elizabeth looked down. Her hands were young. There was no wedding ring.

"No."

She threw aside the covers and ran to the mirror.

A twenty-year-old woman stared back. Dark curls. Bright eyes. Smooth skin. Elizabeth lifted trembling fingers to her face.

Downstairs, Lydia shouted, "Mama!"

Elizabeth started laughing. The laughter turned into tears and then back into laughter.

A knock sounded, and Jane entered.

Young Jane. Beautiful Jane. Alive.

"Lizzy?"

Elizabeth crossed the room and threw herself into her sister's arms.

Jane staggered. "Lizzy! Whatever has happened?"

"You."

"Me?"

Elizabeth pulled back and touched Jane's cheek.

Jane frowned. "Are you ill?"

"No."

"Then why are you crying?"

Elizabeth wiped at her face. "I had a dream."

Jane's expression softened. "A bad one?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. A very long one."

From downstairs came Mrs. Bennet's voice. "Girls! Do you intend to remain upstairs until luncheon?"

Elizabeth froze. "Mama."

Jane gave her a peculiar look. "Yes. Mama."

Mrs. Bennet was alive. Mr. Bennet was alive. Mary, Kitty, Lydia--everyone.

Jane touched Elizabeth's forehead. "I truly think you may have a fever."