Page 34 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mr. Wickham filled their glasses again before raising his own.

“I can add little to Mrs. Younge's gracious sentiments except to say I count myself richer today than ever before. To my beloved Georgiana. May our life together be filled with laughter, contentment, and every blessing.”

They drank again.

Wickham looked to Georgiana. “It is your turn now, Mrs. Wickham. Will you offer a toast to your husband?”

Georgiana rose, her cheeks flushed.

“I have never offered a toast before, so I hope you will forgive me if I do it poorly. To my dear husband. May I always prove worthy of the kindness and affection he has shown me, and may we enjoy many happy years together.”

Chapter 16: Flight

August 26, 1811

“Mr. Ramsbury.” Darcy bowed to the elder man and his daughter. “Miss Ramsbury, it is a pleasure to see you again. How are you enjoying the performance of The School for Scandal, ma'am?”

“I love it immensely, Mr. Darcy. It is a brilliant comedy of manners. When one stops to consider it, sir, there is nothing better than laughing at oneself.”

A half smile touched his lips.

“And you, sir?” she asked, her eyes meeting his with expectation.

“Sheridan's witty dialogue and satire of fashionable society will never fall from favor, ma'am. I have enjoyed it immensely. If they revive it again in another year or two, I expect I shall be among the audience.”

She laughed. “As shall I, sir. Will you be in London through Christmas, Mr. Darcy?”

“No, ma'am. Charles Bingley has invited me to a house party at Michaelmas. I hope to conclude my business here, then travel directly to Hertfordshire to visit him.”

“And you, Miss Ramsbury? Do you and your father remain in London?”

“Yes, sir. Papa says he has neglected his business for too long and must now remain in town for several months to attend to it. I am quite contented, sir, for he has promised to bring me to the theatre once each week while we are here, and to escort me to the British Museum. I shall see the Rosetta Stone at last.”

Darcy's expression warmed. “Are you a student of antiquities, ma'am?”

Her eyes shone with amusement. “Not at all, sir. I am not a reader, nor a bluestocking. However, seeing actual artifacts holds its own fascination, and I have longed to spend some hours in the museum to view all it contains.”

“The Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi rank among my favorite antiquities. Perhaps Richard and I might accompany you and your father when you visit, Miss Ramsbury.”

“I should like that very much, sir. If you arrange it with Papa, I shall be much obliged to you. I am certain we should enjoy ourselves far more with the two of you in company.”

Mr. Ramsbury interrupted the pair. “Dearest, may I introduce you to my friends? Mrs. Laurence was a close friend of your mother's. She wishes to make your acquaintance and introduce you to her son, Michael.”

“Of course, Papa.” She looked to Mr. Darcy and curtsied. “Sir, you will excuse me.”

He bowed. “Of course.”

Darcy’s eyes followed the lovely woman until the crowd concealed her from view. He looked toward Richard. “Are you ready, Cousin?”

“Yes, Darcy. I can hardly wait to change out of this evening attire. I believe I have grown rather too stout for it.”

Darcy's gaze traveled over his cousin. “You appear well enough to me, Richard. If there is any fat upon you, it must lie in your head, for I see nothing but muscle and brawn.”

“That comes of marching miles on foot with weapons upon one's shoulders. Come, Cousin. Let us return.”

* * *

The following day proved a busy one. Darcy spent most of it with his solicitor, concluding his outstanding business. Afterward, he met Richard and Phillip at White's for dinner.