Page 185 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

They reached the garden, where the path divided. Jane and Bingley continued toward the roses, still speaking together. The others moved toward a bed of early flowers, and Caroline went with them.

Elizabeth lingered behind, and Mr. Darcy came to her side.

After some minutes, Georgiana pointed beyond the garden toward the rising ground in the distance.

“What is that hill, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Oakham Mount.”

Georgiana studied it for a moment. “I should very much like to walk to the summit and see the valley from there. Is it far, and is the walk difficult?”

“Not at all. The path is quite easy, and we can reach the top in fifteen minutes.”

Georgiana looked around at the others. “Would anyone care to come with us?”

Bingley's eyes went immediately to Jane. “I should like to go, if Miss Bennet will accompany me.”

Jane colored. “I should be happy to.”

“I shall come,” Kitty said. “I have not been up the mount in some time.”

Caroline looked toward the distant hill. “I believe I shall leave Oakham Mount to those who enjoy walking more than I do.”

“Nor do I care for climbing hills,” Mary said. “If you would like to return to the house with me, Miss Bingley, I can show you the fire screen Jane is working on now.”

Jane considered this. “I think you might prefer the fire screen I made for Mamma's room, Miss Bingley. It is a floral design, and I took particular care with the shading of the roses and fern. I believe you will like it.”

Caroline's interest was immediate. “Then I should very much like to see it.”

Mary and Caroline returned toward the house while the others left the garden for the path leading to Oakham Mount.

Kitty and Georgiana soon went ahead, quickening their pace when they reached the open ground until they were running up the path with their skirts gathered in their hands.

“Kitty,” Jane called after her. “Do take care.”

“We shall,” Kitty called back before she and Georgiana ran on together.

Elizabeth watched the two younger girls for a moment before continuing up the slope with Mr. Darcy beside her. Some distance behind them, Jane and Bingley made slower progress. Neither was a great walker, and they were so deep in conversation that they appeared in no hurry to reach the summit.

Darcy and Elizabeth had gone some distance before he said quietly, “I am deeply sorry about your mother, Elizabeth. It seems particularly cruel that you should have to lose her twice in the same year.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I confess, I began to fear that history was repeating itself.”

“And how are you, darling? Are you well?”

“I am. Papa was with us, and so were my aunts and uncles. All four of my sisters are still here with me.” She pressed his arm. “I am doing very well, sir, considering.”

“And how does Georgiana go on? She appears happy. Contented.”

Darcy’s eyes remained upon her. “My sister is doing very well. Occasionally, I find her weeping in the evening, when she seems to feel the loss most, but she is doing well.” He covered Elizabeth’s hand with his own. “About your mother, if I had known, nothing would have kept me away.”

“Thank you, sir. It all happened so quickly that I never thought to write. We were constantly at her side, doing what little we could.”

They continued up the slope until Darcy said, “I received your letter concerning Lydia. It appears that she is safe now.”

“Yes. Papa continues to take every precaution, although I do not believe she would attempt anything now. Mamma's death has affected her terribly.”

“In what way?”