Page 110 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“The receipt and letter crossed with him,” she said. “The basket remained behind.”

“He was carrying the receipt and letter. He had left the basket upon the stone.”

“Then whatever we hope to take with us should remain upon our persons.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “That would be prudent.”

Elizabeth recorded it.

“Sam remembered everything,” she said. “So did Mr. Fletcher.”

“Although Fletcher did not cross, and we have no means of knowing why.”

“Nor whether I would remember.”

Elizabeth stared at the page.

If she succeeded, she might find herself at Longbourn sometime in April with Papa alive and no knowledge that she had once watched him die.

She might see Lydia laughing across the breakfast table and remember none of what Wickham would do to her.

“Sir, I cannot depend upon memory. What if history repeats itself because I have done nothing to prevent it?”

Mr. Darcy considered this.

“Miss Elizabeth, I mean to make the attempt with you. If Georgiana wishes to join us, I will allow it.”

Elizabeth looked at him. “You mean to go with me, sir?”

“I do.”

She reached for his hand, and he took it.

“I am glad, Mr. Darcy. I have felt so alone in this quest.”

Mr. Darcy lifted her hand to his lips. “You are not alone, Miss Elizabeth.”

She held his gaze. When he lowered her hand, neither of them immediately let go. Instead, she curled her fingers around his.

“What of the letter, sir? Sam and Mr. Fletcher prepared for the possibility that neither of them would remember.”

“Then we shall do the same.”

* * *

At the usual hour later that morning, Mr. Darcy and Georgiana arrived at Ashcroft Manor for their studies.

Mrs. Radcliff joined them.

“Dr. Wynn will not be with us today. One of his former patients near Bakewell has sent for him. Moreover, Mr. Radcliff and I must attend another meeting for the parish poor. I dislike leaving you, Lizzy, but Georgiana will be here, and the housekeeper is available if you require anything.”

“You need not worry, ma'am. We mean to study as usual.”

Mrs. Radcliff accepted the assurance and departed with her husband soon afterward.

When the door closed, Elizabeth said, “I am decided. On the evening of December twenty-first, I intend to stand in the center of Arbor Low and attempt to cross back in time.”

“Georgiana and I have also discussed it. We shall both make the attempt with you,” Mr. Darcy said. “We may already have suitable tokens.”