Page 99 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

After a moment, he asked, “And Lydia?”

“We never found her. Wickham was wounded but not fatally, and Lydia remained with him. We never learned what became of either of them.”

Georgiana lifted her head. “Then she may still be alive.”

“Yes. I do not know whether life or death would be worse for a woman in Lydia’s position.”

At length, Elizabeth continued.

“My sisters and I lost Longbourn to Papa’s heir. We were parceled out to our relations. After my holiday here in Derbyshire, I will hire myself out as a governess.”

Mr. Darcy looked at her.

“Is it because of Lydia’s ruin that you seek a position as a governess?”

“Yes. I cannot marry a decent man and bring the stain upon him and his family.”

Mr. Darcy held her eyes.

Georgiana had been silent for some time. When she spoke, her voice was quiet.

“He chose Lydia as he chose me. He told me what I wished to hear. He made me believe he loved me.”

“He did the same with Lydia.”

Georgiana rested her head against Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Perhaps neither of us was foolish.”

Elizabeth kissed her temple.

“Lydia could be very foolish. I loved her despite it. But being foolish at fifteen did not give a grown man the right to destroy her.”

After a moment, Elizabeth asked, “Where is Mr. Wickham now?”

“He died on the twenty-eighth of August,” Mr. Darcy said. “Georgiana escaped Ramsgate the previous day. Richard and I arrived the following morning and found Wickham dead. The surgeon believed he drank himself insensible, became sick, and suffocated.”

Elizabeth’s hand tightened around Georgiana’s.

“Wickham can never tell me what became of my sister.”

“I am sorry, Lizzy,” Georgiana said. She raised a hand to her forehead and closed her eyes.

“Brother, I feel unwell.”

Mr. Darcy’s eyes remained on Elizabeth for a moment before he rose. “Georgiana, do you wish to lie down again?”

Georgiana rested her head against the couch and closed her eyes, but a minute later, she sat up.

“No, it has passed. I think I should go home and rest.”

“You will meet us tomorrow morning, Lizzy?”

“Yes, if you wish it.”

Georgiana embraced her. “Thank you. I do wish it.”

Elizabeth held her for a moment. “Take care, Georgiana.”

Mr. Darcy followed his sister toward the door, but before leaving, he looked back at Elizabeth.