Page 65 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

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Two hours later, Elizabeth raised her eyes from her notebook when her uncle addressed her.

“Lizzy, we should go if we are to meet the Darcys at the henge.”

She laid down her quill, closed her notebook, and rose. “Yes, sir. I will fetch my bonnet and pelisse.”

“Have you been weeping, my girl? Time heals all things, and eventually you will be able to think of your father without being brought so low.”

“Yes, Uncle. Thank you.” She dropped her eyes, ashamed that her recent tears had fallen for a man other than her beloved father. As she climbed the stair, she considered. Time had helped a little. Her grief for Papa had dulled, but the wound ran too deep and raw to bear examination. Still, if a few months had begun to heal the wound left by the loss of the person she had loved most in the world, perhaps in time she might also bear this new loss.

Mr. Darcy’s image rose in her mind. His eyes had shown interest and, she believed, even affection. He appeared as drawn to her as she was to him. Her brows furrowed. Their acquaintance might also injure him. But what could she do for him when she could not even protect herself?

They set out in plenty of time. The countryside proved as beautiful as Elizabeth had hoped. The leaves had begun to change, the air carried the freshness of autumn, and the sun shone upon their path. For the duration of the walk, she found peace.

“Uncle, being in this beautiful place almost makes me forget the terrible losses our family has suffered.”

“Yes, Lizzy. There is balm for the soul in this lovely corner of England.”

“I often wish I had done more for Lydia. Had I spent more time with her, perhaps she would not now be sunk in ruin and possibly suffering.”

“We cannot mend the past, my dear. We can only make a better future. Attend to what can still be improved.”

Elizabeth lowered her eyes. He would be angry if he knew what had drawn her to Derbyshire, to this particular henge and to the very heart of Arbor Low, the stone circle.

She turned to the subject that interested her most. “Sir, what think you of Mr. Darcy?”

He gave a wry chuckle. “Do you mean to ask whether I too discerned his immediate attraction to you and how you should conduct yourself if he wishes to pursue the acquaintance?”

“You are very direct, Uncle Edward.”

“I must speak freely to you, Lizzy, for our visit is short. Maddie was loath to leave little Edward behind.”

“Yes, of course, sir.”

His expression was grave. “You and Jane must marry well, and you must marry as soon as prudence allows, lest Lydia be discovered with her protector at some other public place and bring ruin upon you all. Your mother’s likeness runs strong in each of you. Anyone seeing Lydia would know you for close relations.”

“Sir, do you truly believe she will continue under the care of one protector rather than passing from one man to another?”

“For now, yes. She is young, innocent, and very lovely. But no respectable man will marry a fallen woman, and in time she will pass from one protector to another. Perhaps an older gentleman may eventually take her under his protection for many years. Her prospects are bleak, Elizabeth.”

“Do not do as your sister Jane has done. When we return, we will do all we can to encourage that attachment. She should have accepted Mr. Bingley when he first offered rather than gamble with her future prospects. I expect the same from you, Elizabeth. If Mr. Darcy acts upon his early preference for you, you must encourage him and accept his hand if he offers it.”

“But Uncle, what of Lydia? He has a young unmarried sister. Should Lydia’s ruin become known, will not his sister be tainted along with us?”

“Yes, but his name and consequence will protect you and those under his care. Do you understand me, my dear?”

Elizabeth met the gravity in his expression.

“Yes, sir. I understand and will not take an offer from him lightly, though it is early days. His fancy may prove fleeting.”

“I know, Elizabeth, but I have reproached myself for not speaking to you and Jane while you still lived at Longbourn. Had I done so, your sister might now be well married, and her connection to such a wealthy man would improve your standing in Mr. Darcy’s eyes. I depend upon you to act sensibly, Elizabeth. Do I have your word?”

Despite her guilt and unease, she made the promise. “Yes, sir. I will act in the best interests of my sisters.”

They passed the last mile in silence. Elizabeth’s thoughts churned too much for her to enjoy the view or her uncle’s company.

At last, they reached the crest of a gradual rise, and some fifty great limestone blocks lay before her, forming an egg-shaped circle upon the broad plateau. Some had broken into fragments, but the stones still marked the circle upon the plateau. A deep ditch enclosed the interior, with a substantial earthen bank beyond it.