Page 101 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

They started toward Arbor Low.

When they reached the stones, Mr. Darcy secured his horse and joined her. The horizon had begun to lighten.

Elizabeth looked across the henge.

“Mr. Darcy, when you asked why I was studying the disappearances, I did not tell you everything.”

He gave her his attention.

“I told you I wished to finish the studies I began with Papa, and that was true. But there is another reason. I believe the people who disappeared from Arbor Low may have gone somewhere.”

Mr. Darcy did not laugh or dismiss the idea. His expression grew more intent.

Elizabeth continued.

“The three disappearances on December twenty-first have held my attention for some time now. I am searching for clues, sir, because I have begun to wonder whether those people went to another time.”

She studied his face. Would he ridicule her?

“And you believe that if they could do so, you might be able to do the same.”

“I do not know whether I believe it yet. But I hope it very much.”

He was silent for a moment before asking, “Because of Lydia.”

“And my parents and my sisters.”

Now that she had begun, the rest came more easily.

“If I could return to a time before Lydia left with Wickham, I would not permit matters to unfold as they did. I would make Papa understand that Wickham was dangerous. If he would not listen, I would go to Uncle Edward. I would do whatever was necessary to prevent Lydia from leaving with him.”

Her voice tightened.

“Papa would never have to pursue them. Wickham would never shoot him. Mamma would not succumb to the shock.”

Mr. Darcy watched her without interruption.

“I know how impossible it sounds, but if there is even a chance that Arbor Low can do what the old accounts suggest, I cannot abandon it.”

Mr. Darcy considered her words for some time.

At last, he said, “We know that three people disappeared here on December twenty-first. We do not know what became of them, but if there is any grain of truth in the tales of Tam Lin and the others, there may be a way to return. We do not know where those people went, why the date matters, or what caused them to disappear.”

Elizabeth watched him in silence.

“The evidence is incomplete. That does not mean your conclusion is foolish. It means it is unproved.”

“You do not think me mad, Mr. Darcy.”

“I think you have evidence that does not yet permit a conclusion. You are attempting to find more.”

“Yes, sir.”

She had expected disbelief and feared ridicule. She had even prepared herself for Mr. Darcy to humor her because he knew how much Papa's research meant to her.

She had not expected him to take the idea seriously.

“Mr. Darcy, now you understand why the disappearances have consumed so much of my attention. If something happens here on December twenty-first, I must be here to test it.”