Bad Miss Bennet (36 page)

Authors: Jean Burnett

BOOK: Bad Miss Bennet

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We had been obliged to wait some time in Genoa for the arrival of the Portuguese escort ships. They had been delayed by extremely bad weather at sea and rumours of an uprising in Brazil which did nothing to raise my spirits. My royal employer, however, was relentlessly optimistic, urging us all to study our Portuguese grammar books. She showed me a miniature of her bridegroom Dom Pedro. He was only eighteen and she was twenty. His appearance was certainly not handsome but she declared it âinteresting'. The miniature was surrounded by diamonds the size of large buttons.

When we finally boarded
Dom Joao VI
, a huge ship weighed down with many passengers and animals kept below decks, I feared it might sink in the first storm. Adelaide and I watched as the vessel pulled slowly away from Italy, heading first for Lisbon and then the New World. I was wearing a suitably funereal black damask gown with long tight sleeves of white lace with a white frill at the neck.

I had obtained a supply of new notebooks in which to record my Brazilian adventures and to while away the long voyage. I imagined this flimsy and pathetic record bobbing on the high seas after our disastrous shipwreck. Perhaps it would one day reach England where I would be remembered as a heroine by future generations. After all, I had rendered a service to my country, even if it did not compare with Wellington's. He, however, was not being banished to the other side of the world.

âDid you remember to pack the laudanum?' I asked Adelaide.

My maid had caught a glimpse of the luxurious royal suite. âGold plate and a grand piano â¦ lots of red and gold silk.'

âAnd what of our accommodation?' I asked.

âSmall,' she replied.

I feel a sense of impending doom.

I gazed at the horizon wondering if I would ever see England again â or even Europe. Had I done something so terrible, so offensive to the Count that he needed to banish me to the ends of the earth â or did he genuinely believe that he was advancing my position? With such friends I had no need of enemies. If only I had not found the body of Von Mecks. All my misfortunes sprang from that event.

Adelaide rallied me as she always did. âIt will be another great adventure, madam.' I essayed a smile and thought of those large diamonds as the breeze ruffled my hair. It might be true, after all, but at that moment I was not greatly diverted.

After a while I sent Adelaide below to our cabin. Her cheeks were beginning to acquire a green tinge. I continued to stand at the ship's rail with the wind ruffling my skirts, staring out at the ocean and thinking melancholy thoughts. A crew member touched my shoulder and urged me to retire to my cabin.

âYou will be more comfortable there, madam.' I turned to face him â and found myself staring at Jerry Sartain! He was looking aggressively nautical.

âWhat are you doing here?' I gasped. He gave me the familiar grin.

âI am bound for Brazil, as a crew member, madam. I am sure our paths will cross frequently!'

My knees began to buckle just as the ship listed to one side and Jerry caught me in a firm grip. There was too much drama in my life and the shocks were affecting my normally placid disposition, as my readers will appreciate.

I gaped at him. âYou cannot possibly be here.' I may have repeated myself several times. Jerry looked disappointed.

âI had hoped for a warmer reception from you, my love. You have so often told me of your affection for me.'

Various scenes passed before my mind's eye in rapid succession. My hopefully rosy, royal future grew decidedly overcast. If my association with a humble crew member/ outlaw became known â¦ well, it must be avoided. But how, in the close confines of the ship? Conscious of possible prying eyes, I threw off Jerry's restraining arm.

âIt is imperative that you do not recognise or speak to me in public,' I whispered, urgently. I am a lady-in-waiting to Princess Leopoldina. All will be lost if you persist.'

Jerry picked up a coiled rope lying conveniently nearby and resumed his nautical persona.

âYou have done well for yourself, my love. I can see that my presence is unwelcome to you. So much for the constancy of the heart.' He gave me a speaking look and turned away.

This man could play upon my heartstrings like a consummate harpist.

âI did not mean to be harsh,' I pleaded. âMy feelings for you are unchanged, but it will not advance either of us if we are discovered.' Another thought occurred to me. âHow were you able to join this ship's crew? You have no nautical skills â have you?' Jerry's face darkened. He returned the coiled rope to the deck and kicked it.

âI am not here by choice, I assure you. Those rogues on the Yankee ship played me false.'

I raised my eyebrows as he hurriedly described his adventures. Unable to restrain his criminal urges, Jerry had inveigled the crew of the
Pride of Boston
into card games, and was discovered cheating. The enraged crew set him ashore at the last port before they crossed the Atlantic. âI was stranded in the Azores and forced to sign on to any ship that was passing. I had to offer a sea captain those splendid Hessian boots of yours in order to be taken to Lisbon. There I was offered a place on this vessel. At least it is heading for the New World, even if further south than I anticipated.'

âWhat will you do in Brazil?' He grinned.

âJump ship! Perhaps you can find me a position in the royal household? Of course, I plan to reach New York eventually.' My heart sank as I explained that I was bound to my post for two years. Jerry did not seem at all downcast. âWhat adventures we may have, my love.' He picked up the rope again and walked off with a jaunty step. It was just as well that he did not know of the diamond situation in Brazil.

I was quite sure that Jerry would inveigle himself into the Portuguese royal household. After all, he was able to say truthfully that he had served the Prince of Wales. It would be months before any checks could be made, and what havoc he might cause in that time â¦ What part would I be forced to play in his schemes? If only I could control my feelings for this handsome wretch. I recalled how fit and inviting he had looked in his sailor's outfit. This led me to remember our moments in the Assembly Rooms in Bath. I was forced to grip the handrail of the ship in order to gain control of my wilder emotions.

When I had recovered myself somewhat I made my way below deck to our cramped quarters. I informed Adelaide of Jerry's presence on board but she was lying on her narrow berth groaning quietly and I do not think my words made any impact.

I straightened my gown, smoothed my hair and prepared to attend the princess. As I made my way to her stateroom I was almost thrown to the floor by the listing of the ship. Various shrieks and moans emanated from behind closed doors. I found Dona Leopoldina upright and alert.

âYou and I are the only resolute passengers aboard this ship, Mrs Wickham.'

I curtsied gratefully. Interesting times lay ahead.

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