Page 207 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Rogers called that the repair was nearly complete.

Darcy and Elizabeth returned to the carriage. He offered his hand, and handed her up. Caroline moved aside to make room for her.

Within a few minutes, they were again on the road to Longbourn.

* * *

By the time the carriages reached Longbourn, the light had begun to fade. The delay on the road had made the journey longer than expected, and there was little inclination to prolong the visit.

Bingley handed Jane down from the first carriage while Darcy assisted Elizabeth. Darcy's hand lingered beneath hers for only a moment as she stepped onto the drive.

“Good evening, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy.”

Kitty hurried past them toward the house.

“I shall see you tomorrow, Kitty,” Georgiana called after her.

Kitty looked back and waved.

Bingley took his leave of Jane, and the Netherfield party departed for home.

Mr. Bennet was waiting in the drawing room when his daughters entered. Elizabeth crossed directly to him and put her arms around him.

“We had a wonderful day, Papa. Peaceful and happy, and exactly what we needed.”

“I am very glad to hear it, Lizzy.”

Lydia looked up from her chair as Kitty came into the room.

“You should have seen the castle,” Kitty said. “There was hardly any castle left at all.”

Lydia laughed. “Truly?”

“Almost nothing. Georgiana and I climbed everywhere.”

Lydia set aside the fashion plate she had been studying. “Tell me about it.”

Kitty dropped into the chair beside her and began.

Elizabeth removed her bonnet and sat near her father while Kitty described the ruins, the picnic, and the view from the mound. Before long, Lydia was asking questions.

Outside, the last of the daylight faded from the windows as the Bennet family waited for the dinner bell.

Chapter 53: The Tenant Visits

The following Sunday, Mary waited until most of the congregation had left the church before approaching Mr. Fernside, the rector. She took Lydia’s arm.

“I wish to speak with the rector. Will you come with me?”

The two sisters reached Mr. Fernside and waited until he was free.

“Sir, I have been thinking about the poorer families in the parish. I should like to be of some practical use, but I do not know where help is most needed.”

“Miss Mary, there are always those who would benefit from a little assistance. Mrs. Turner has been poorly and finds it difficult to cook for herself, and the Webbs have seven children and very little to spare after the rent is paid.”

“Thank you, sir. I will start with visits to those families. Perhaps we can assist them in some way.”