Page 173 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mr. Bennet rubbed his forehead before looking at Elizabeth and Mary. “Take your sister upstairs. I am much obliged to both of you for doing what I should have done before matters reached this pass.”

For a moment Elizabeth could only look at him.

Then she and Mary led Lydia from the study.

Upstairs, Lydia's fury returned. She railed against Elizabeth, Mary, her father, and finally the whole family as they took her into the nursery. She declared that Mr. Wickham loved her, that Elizabeth had driven him away, and that she would never forgive any of them.

Neither sister answered.

Lydia dropped into a chair and covered her face, her sobs filling the room.

Elizabeth and Mary left her there and closed the door.

John was already coming along the passage to take his place outside.

Mary waited until they were several steps away before speaking. “I can hardly believe Papa took such decided action.”

“Nor can I.”

Elizabeth looked back at the closed nursery door.

“Let us hope he continues to protect her until Mr. Wickham can be dealt with.”

* * *

Elizabeth returned to her bedchamber and found Georgiana's unfinished letter where she had abandoned it.

She sat at the desk and read the last few lines before taking up her pen.

My dear G,

I must add something that occurred while I was writing this letter. I happened to look from my window and saw LB leaving the house alone. My sister Mary and I followed her and found GW waiting for her on Oakham Mount, a secluded part of my father's estate.

I confronted him and ordered him to leave. I also warned him that his colonel would hear of an officer arranging a clandestine meeting with a girl of fifteen.

My father now understands the danger. LB has been returned to the nursery and is no longer permitted to go out. A servant will remain outside her door to prevent her from leaving the house without my father's permission.

Please share this with your brother. I fear for LB.

I hope I shall see you very soon, dear G. There is much I wish I could say that I dare not trust to a letter.

Your affectionate,

EB

Elizabeth sanded the page, folded it and sealed it, intending to send it with the morning post.

The dinner bell had already rung by the time she left her room. As she descended the stairs, she met Alice carrying a tray in the opposite direction.

“Is that for Lydia? Does John remain outside the nursery?”

“Yes, Miss. He has gone down to have his dinner, but Sam has taken his place until he returns.”

“Thank you, Alice.”

Jane and Mary were already in the drawing room when she entered. Kitty sat apart from them, unusually subdued.

“Where is Mamma?”