Page 87 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

When she finished her bread, Elizabeth asked, “Would you like mine, Georgie? I have not touched it.”

“I feel better now I have eaten, Lizzy. I should like yours if you do not mind.”

“Of course not, my dear. If I am still hungry, I can fetch another. Once you have eaten, you should go home and rest. Perhaps you have done too much today.”

When luncheon ended, the household accompanied the Darcys outside. Mrs. Radcliff took Georgiana’s arm.

“Dear, it has been a pleasure to have you with us today. You are good company for our guest. Though you do not speak a great deal, I can see you are clever and well able to converse with our Miss Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth heard no more, for Mr. Darcy drew near and bent his head.

“Shall we meet you tomorrow, ma’am, for your morning exertions?”

His thoughtfulness pleased her. “Yes, sir, if it pleases you.”

“It does please me. We shall meet you at the same hour tomorrow morning. Miss Elizabeth, have I earned your approval?”

She raised a brow in question.

“I speak of your studies, ma’am. Have I proved useful enough to be of service?” He held the book she had lent him. “May I join you in this endeavor? I wish to help you find the answers you seek, Miss Bennet.”

She looked into his eyes. He spoke in earnest. He wished to join them on the morrow.

“Sir, I would welcome your assistance, for as I said, my time is limited, and more so with every passing day.”

Elizabeth went straight back to her books and worked until it was time to dress for dinner. She exerted herself to join the conversation and afterward played and sang every song requested of her.

When Mr. Radcliff settled down to read about sheep rot, and Mrs. Radcliff set aside her embroidery for a novel, Elizabeth felt free to resume her investigations. She labored until eleven, when her hosts rose and announced they would retire. Elizabeth went with them without complaint, for the day had been long and she was tired.

She looked forward to the morning and the society of the Darcys, especially the brother.

Chapter 33: Dr. Wynn

Mid-October 1811

Dr. Elton Wynn returned to Ashcroft Manor three days after the Darcys joined Elizabeth's research.

Elizabeth had heard of him for most of her life, and Aunt Maddie's letters seldom failed to contain some mention of her father. Elizabeth had formed an image of a kindly old gentleman who had retired from medicine and gone to live with his elder daughter.

The gentleman who entered the breakfast parlor that morning appeared neither old nor in need of anyone's care.

He was tall and spare, with white beginning to overtake his dark hair, and he crossed the room with the firm step of a man accustomed to going where he was needed.

Mrs. Radcliff rose. “Papa. I expected you two days ago.”

“So did I. Mrs. Drury sent for me before breakfast and refused to believe Dr. Lawson could know anything worth knowing because he has not yet reached forty.”

Mr. Radcliff lowered his newspaper. “You sold the man your practice.”

“I reminded her of that.”

“And?”

“She informed me that I had made a mistake.”

Mrs. Radcliff laughed. “You encourage them.”

“I prescribed for her for thirty years. She believes that gives her a claim upon me.”