Page 137 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

The winter afternoon unfolded quietly. They passed the time sitting or walking among the stones, careful never to leave the circle. Sunset was their best guess, but there was no certainty as to the time of the crossing.

As the afternoon wore on, Elizabeth sat beside Fitzwilliam with her shoulder resting against his, while Georgiana sat on his other side. Richard and Dr. Wynn remained outside the perimeter.

Fitzwilliam reached inside his coat and withdrew two of the tokens. He gave Georgiana one of the Clementi receipts and Aunt Maddie’s letter to Elizabeth. Both young women tucked their tokens securely into their skirt pockets.

Then they waited together, watching the shadows lengthen across the moor.

No one had much to say, as the sun continued its slow descent toward the western horizon.

* * *

As the afternoon grew colder, Georgiana decided to walk within the circle to warm herself.

Fitzwilliam drew Elizabeth between his knees and wrapped his greatcoat around as much of her as he could. She settled back against his chest.

Elizabeth rested her hands over his and looked toward the sinking sun. “I have been thinking about our letters. You wrote that if I remember nothing, I owe you no affection merely because I was married to you in another history.”

“I meant it. I would not have you feel bound to a man you do not remember.”

“I know, and it was very honorable of you. That is precisely what worries me. If you find me and discover that I have forgotten you, do not abandon me.” She forced a laugh. “Please allow me to decide whether I wish to keep you, but do not stand at a distance being noble while I remain ignorant that I have misplaced a husband.”

“I have no intention of allowing you to remain in ignorance where I am concerned, darling.”

He turned her in his arms and kissed her. Elizabeth smiled against his mouth, but when he released her, she touched his cheek.

She covered his hand with hers. “But what if you do not remember me?”

“Then I shall read my letter, come to Longbourn, and meet the troublesome young woman who apparently knows a great deal about me.”

“You may find her suspicious, sir. I have been known to be prejudiced.”

“Do not fret, Elizabeth. I managed to make you fall in love with me once. I shall find you and do it again.”

She turned her face and pressed a kiss into his palm.

“Very well, sir. I will trust you.”

* * *

The western sky had begun to change when Richard called to them.

Dr. Wynn checked with Georgiana one final time, and when he finished asking about her health, she surprised him by putting her arms around him.

“Dr. Wynn, thank you for everything.”

His expression softened as he embraced her. “Farewell, Georgiana.”

She kissed his cheek before going to Richard.

Her cousin opened his arms.

“I shall see you again soon, Georgie.”

“Yes, Richard. I trust that we will soon be together again.”

He held her tightly for a moment and kissed her forehead.

Elizabeth embraced Dr. Wynn next. “You have been very good to me, sir. Thank you for making all this possible and for taking us to Mr. Fletcher.”