Page 23 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

G.

Miss D danced twice with a Mr. S and has become quite taken with him. He is nearer her own age and of a similar background. She spoke of him for nearly half an hour. You may wish to make a greater effort. If you intend to court her, you had best think of interesting ways to occupy her attention.

Mrs. Y

* * *

A week later, Mrs. Younge and Georgiana returned from their morning sea bathing when they encountered Mr. Wickham. He joined them as they made their way home.

“Miss Darcy, today is a fine day for an excursion to the chalk cliffs. Have you visited them?”

“No, sir. I do not know of what you speak.”

“Then I foresee that you shall delight in a drive by barouche to Botany Bay. The chalk cliffs are magnificent, particularly on a day such as this, with clear blue skies and bright sunshine. They rank among the greatest natural curiosities in Kent. The sea has hollowed caverns beneath the cliffs, and at low tide, one may walk almost to their mouths. In the afternoon sun, the chalk gleams so brightly that one might mistake it for marble. Curious fossils may often be found among the fallen chalk.”

Georgiana laughed.

“Sir, you need say no more. I am persuaded that I should enjoy an excursion in an open carriage to see the chalk cliffs.”

She looked to her companion. “May we go, Mrs. Younge?”

“Certainly. I, too, believe we would be very foolish to refuse such an invitation.”

Mr. Wickham drew out his pocket watch.

“Shall I call for you at two o'clock? That will allow you time for a light luncheon before dressing for the drive.”

The two ladies agreed. Mr. Wickham left them at their door and went in search of a barouche to hire for the afternoon.

* * *

The drive to Botany Bay measured but four and a half miles, and Mr. Wickham kept the two ladies entertained throughout the journey.

When they reached the cliffs, they strolled along the summit.

“It appears I can see all the way to Deal from here,” Georgiana said.

Wickham said, “I imagine it is possible, Miss Darcy, on a clear day. The mist upon the horizon obscures our view a little, but we have been favored with fine weather today.”

He looked at her expectantly. “Would you care to drive down to the beach? Perhaps we shall find fossilized sea urchins or shells among the chalk. There are caves as well. I have heard extraordinary tales of smugglers using them.”

Both ladies welcomed the suggestion, and Mr. Wickham drove them to the beach.

The three wandered along the shore until Wickham pointed to a large chalk boulder.

“Miss Darcy, fortune smiles upon you. Let us examine that boulder and see whether it conceals a fossil shell.”

Georgiana picked up a sharp stone and worked at an irregularity in the chalk. She chipped away around the protrusion until a small heart-shaped fossil came free.

She carried it to Mrs. Younge. “Look what I have found!”

A tiny fossil sea urchin, shaped like a heart, rested upon her palm. Mrs. Younge shared her delight.

They continued their search, examining every chalk boulder and fragment along the beach. By the end of the afternoon, the three had collected five fossil sea urchins.

Mr. Wickham placed his own discoveries in Georgiana's hand.

“Miss Darcy, I believe you value these little treasures far more than I do. Pray keep mine as well, that they may remind you of this happy day.”