Page 57 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Darcy inclined his head. “Come to us as soon as you are able, Richard.”

He climbed into the carriage, and a moment later they set off.

His two footmen followed behind on his favorite mounts, Ares, his magnificent gray, and Rowan, a striking black stallion. He intended to leave both horses at Pemberley while he and Georgiana were abroad.

As the miles passed beneath the wheels, he gazed out the carriage window and found his thoughts returning to Miss Ramsbury. She was lost to him. Without a doubt, she would make a suitable marriage and would wed before the Season was over. He doubted he would ever find her equal again, but there was nothing to be done.

The Darcys had been three days upon the road when the carriage slowed to a halt. Darcy stepped down and looked toward his coachman.

“What is it, Hobbs?”

“There is a carriage stopped by the roadside just ahead, sir.”

“Does anything appear amiss?”

“No, sir. There is a lady, a gentleman who appears to be her husband, and their coachman.”

“Very well. They seem safe enough. Drive on and stop beside them. We shall offer our assistance.”

Darcy and Georgiana both looked out their respective windows, hoping to catch an early glimpse of the stranded carriage ahead. A short distance later, their own carriage drew to a halt. Darcy observed a well-dressed lady and gentleman standing beside a modest carriage, together with their coachman and groom.

“Remain here, Sister, while I make inquiries.”

“Yes, Fitzwilliam.”

He approached the gentleman, and after the introductions were made, the two men exchanged calling cards. Darcy glanced down at the one he had received.

Edward Gardiner, Esquire

Offices at 112 Cheapside.

He slipped the card into the inside pocket of his coat before offering his assistance. As the two gentlemen discussed the situation and considered possible solutions, movement at the edge of his vision drew his attention.

He looked toward the movement.

A lovely girl was approaching. He looked more closely. No, not a girl, but a lovely young woman.

She was a little disheveled, but the effect was undeniably charming. Chestnut curls had escaped their pins and framed her face, and the cool autumn air had lent a rosy hue to her cheeks. The whole combined to draw his eye ever more surely to her lovely countenance. She walked with a light, graceful step, and when she drew near and lifted her eyes to his, he found himself caught by their uncommon beauty. They were a clear brown, flecked with green and gold, and framed by long, dark lashes. They were, without question, the finest eyes he had ever seen. And just now those remarkable eyes remained fixed upon his face. He felt heat rise beneath his collar and spread across his cheeks.

Only then did he realize Mr. Gardiner was making introductions.

* * *

The tall gentleman, for a gentleman he most certainly was, appeared reserved, though not unfriendly. When Elizabeth came to stand beside her aunt, his gaze settled upon her. His eyes were a clear brown, light enough that she could distinguish his pupils. He was altogether a remarkably handsome gentleman, with a well-formed, muscular figure, and an unruly lock of dark hair that curled over his left brow in a most alluring fashion.

Her heart quickened.

He might have stepped from the pages of the Greek myths she had spent so many happy hours reading.

Elizabeth was so captivated by the gentleman that she failed to hear her uncle's introductions.

“Lizzy, are you quite well, Niece?”

She started and looked to her uncle. “Sir? I beg your pardon. I was not attending.”

A hint of amusement touched his expression. “So, I perceive, my dear. I was saying, Mr. Darcy, this is my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Mr. Darcy? Could this be the same Mr. Darcy who had so captivated her friend Caroline?