Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (19 page)

In God’s eyes, she would uphold those vows in her heart. But it was not merely an act of sacrifice for her. She knew that the love she had for William was ardent and strong, and she was convinced that to marry anyone else would be a futile attempt to remove him from her memory and from her heart.

***

Darcy sat at the table with Georgiana, having almost all his work caught up, and could now begin to see that light at the end of what had been a very dark tunnel. He believed he finally would have some free time that would afford him the opportunity to do some exploring around the county of Hertfordshire.

He interviewed several genteel ladies about the position of companion for Georgiana, and hired a Mrs. Chatham, a widowed woman from a nearby village. He had been pleased with her manners, her accomplishments, and her references. She moved into Pemberley and began working immediately with Georgiana.

As he and Georgiana were just finishing their evening meal, Mrs. Reynolds came in. “Mr. Darcy, two posts have come for you. From the looks of the blots on one of the envelopes, I believe it must be from your good friend, Mr. Bingley.”

Darcy let out a laugh as he took it. “You are very astute, Mrs. Reynolds. Nothing gets past you, now, does it?”

As she handed him both letters, she informed him, “The other is posted from Captain Wendell.”

Darcy was curious why his good friend Bingley would write when he abhorred writing letters, but he had an even greater interest in Wendell’s letter. Could he have found out something about Elizabeth’s whereabouts?

He looked up at Mrs. Reynolds. “Thank you.”

He ripped open Wendell’s letter as Georgiana watched his face. They often received letters from Wendell, or someone from the ship’s line, to update Darcy of the business details of
Pemberley’s Promise
. He normally took those letters back with him to his study to open. She had never seen him open a piece of business mail so determinedly, and in addition to that, opening it before a letter from a close acquaintance.

Darcy quickly opened the folded missive and saw before him simply one name, written boldly across the page from the lower left corner to the upper right corner,
LONGBOURN
.

He smiled. The good captain had met with success! He sat looking at the name for some time, realizing he would need to get out a map to find the location of Elizabeth’s home.

Quickly recollecting his other letter, he carefully opened it up and wondered at the feasibility of reading this letter through all the blots of ink. In addition, the pounding of his heart and the direction of his thoughts were not conducive to comprehending what his friend would have to say.

As he scanned the letter, Georgiana detected a sense of surprised delight in his posture.

“What does he say?” she asked curiously.

Darcy, suddenly finding himself
very
interested in Bingley’s letter, read it aloud to Georgiana.

My Good Friend Darcy,

I understand you have returned now from your voyage to America. I hope it was enjoyable and that this letter finds you well.

I have done something and hope to secure your approval. I found a very nice manor about a month ago, and I liked it enough to decide to let it. It is not as grand as Pemberley, but I believe it is just right for me at the present. It is in Hertfordshire and is called Netherfield. I would love to have you come take a look at it and assure me that I made the right decision. Or at least pretend you like it and give me your blessing.

It is a few miles from the little village of Meryton. Anytime you can come, I would love to see you.

My sisters send their greetings.

Sincerely, Charles Bingley

Georgiana looked at him and asked, “Will you go, brother?”

This was the perfect opportunity to travel to Hertfordshire. Now he would not have to come up with an excuse to journey there. He could go visit his friend, and whilst he was there, he could make inquiries. Hopefully it would be an easy distance to Longbourn! Two answers to prayer dropped in his lap at the same time!

“Yes, it has been too long since I have seen Bingley, and I do want to see what kind of a place this Netherfield is. I shall write to him directly and let him know that I accept his invitation.” Darcy turned to Georgiana. “Would you care to join me?”

Georgiana shook her head. “No, I think I shall leave you to visit your good friend and his sisters on your own. I fear that if I go along with you, Miss Bingley should look upon it as my encouraging her attentions to pairing Mr. Bingley and me together. I shall enjoy remaining at Pemberley, getting to know Mrs. Chatham in the comfort of our home here, while you endure Miss Bingley’s gracious attentions.”

Darcy rolled his eyes at his sister, who knew all too well how much he detested Miss Bingley’s anything but gracious attentions. With a firm grip on Bingley’s letter, he stood, excused himself and informed Georgiana that he would set about making plans to visit his good friend within the coming week.

Georgiana watched him walk away from the table, sensing a complete change in him. She turned back to the table and saw the letter from Captain Wendell that he inadvertently left behind. Curiously, she picked it up.

“How odd,” she softly exclaimed, as her eyes looked at the single word,
Longbourn,
written across the page. She quickly returned the missive to its place upon the table just as the brisk footsteps of her brother announced he was returning and, without a word, he picked up the letter with the mysterious message and again left the room.

***

The voyage home for Elizabeth and the Gardiners was just as could be expected. They had two cabins on the ship. Elizabeth and her aunt shared one with her daughters, and her uncle took the other with his sons. Although the ship was not as grand as
Pemberley’s Promise
, at least she did not have to spend any of her time in steerage. She did, however, make herself available down there and tended those who needed it. With a good tail wind most of the way across, it took a little under a month to finally arrive at the port in Liverpool and with little distress. When Elizabeth took her first step back on English soil, she was grateful that she had finally come home.

They planned to spend a week or two in Liverpool while her uncle took care of business. While Elizabeth was anxious to get home after being gone for five months, she continued to enjoy the time spent with her aunt and uncle. She was grateful that her time with them had begun to ease her aching heart.

Not that she had told them anything. But her aunt, having the gift of discernment especially where Elizabeth was concerned, knew something was amiss. She had a gentle way of reassuring her when she did not even know the circumstances that seemed to be closing in around her. Those reassurances had been a needed, daily salve to her.

They sat around the dining room table in the inn at Liverpool after being there close to a week. Mr. Gardiner was exceptionally jovial. As they prepared to eat, he made an announcement.

“I finished my work here today, much sooner than I expected. If you like, we can prepare to leave for home tomorrow and set out the day after.”

Everyone cheered, the children clapped, and Mrs. Gardiner placed her hand upon her husband’s. “You mean we are really going home?”

He smiled and nodded. “We can make it to Hertfordshire in two days, and then another one day to London.” He paused and then looked at Mrs. Gardiner. “Or we can take a little detour and spend some time in Lambton.”

Mrs. Gardiner clasped her two hands together. “Oh, Edmund! Do you really think we have the time to do that? You know I would love to!”

He nodded as he continued. “I do not have to be back to the warehouse in London until next Monday. That gives us a few extra days. It is not directly on our way, but only a few miles’ detour.” He looked at Elizabeth. “Do you think you could put off getting home a few more days?”

Elizabeth looked delighted. “To see the place where Aunt Madlyn grew up? Absolutely!”

The following day they all eagerly helped each other pack up their things in preparation for another day on the road. Elizabeth enjoyed hearing her aunt’s tales of growing up in this small village, and of some of her friends who still lived there. Elizabeth was sure it was a most delightful place.

“How long do you suppose it will take us to get there?” asked Elizabeth as she put the final item in her duffel and closed it up.

“For most of the day. But it shall be a most pleasant journey. The county of Derbyshire is absolutely breathtaking!”

Elizabeth suddenly froze. The mention of Derbyshire brought about a wave of unsteadiness that coursed through her.
William’s country manor is somewhere in Derbyshire!

Her eyes were cast down and she felt that she could not meet her aunt’s gaze, lest she suspect something. At length, she calmed herself and looked back up.

“I am looking forward to it very much, Aunt.”

“Oh, Lizzy, I was hoping you would. I would so love for you to meet a few of my acquaintances with whom I have kept in touch!”

Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “I should like to meet them as well.”

***

The next day was spent on the road travelling. Elizabeth had to admit that her aunt was correct in her assessment of the county of Derbyshire. It had a natural, striking beauty that Elizabeth truly appreciated. She looked out at the landscape they were passing through and wondered of Darcy’s proximity and familiarity with it. Along the way, as they passed a handful of estates, she silently wondered if any of them could be his.

After a good day’s travels, they pulled into the delightful village of Lambton. As the carriage slowly conveyed them down the main street, Mrs. Gardiner pointed out places she knew, mentioned who once lived or worked here and there, and what was new or what had been torn down or replaced.

Soon the carriage stopped, and they looked out to see the Inn at Lambton, a charming two-story brick building set back from the road.

Mr. Gardiner arranged for their rooms and they all eagerly followed Mrs. Evans, a young woman who was pleased to hear that Mrs. Gardiner had grown up in Lambton, as she directed them upstairs.

They found their accommodations pleasant and inviting.

Once they had eaten a good meal and rested from the day’s journey, they set out to pay visits to Mrs. Gardiner’s friends. The first was to one of her closest acquaintances, Mrs. Irene Martin, who was most pleasantly surprised by the visit.

The Martins had children just about the same age as the Gardiner children, and when invited to come in and spend the evening together, they settled in for a very enjoyable time. Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Gardiner had much reminiscing to do, and Elizabeth listened contentedly. Mrs. Martin offered to keep the children the following day so the Gardiners and Elizabeth could take a little driving tour of the area.

Mrs. Martin looked directly at Elizabeth. “What would you think of that, Miss Bennet? Your aunt has some favourite spots that I know she would love to show you.”

Elizabeth could think of nothing more delightful. “If it is agreeable to my aunt, I would be most happy to have her show off the place of her youth and take us to some of her favourite places!”

Mrs. Martin clasped her hands together. “Good! It is settled! Tomorrow you shall see, firsthand, some of the finest things Derbyshire has to offer!”

The carriage conveying everyone to the Martins’ home took a little side trip the other direction before dropping the children off there. They drove past a small, two-story home that sat off from the road. Elizabeth was told this was the house in which Mrs. Gardiner grew up.

From there, as they travelled down the cobblestone street, Mrs. Gardiner pointed out little points of interest in Lambton: the small church she had attended every Sunday, the fine chestnut tree on the green, and the small pond boasting a fine gaggle of geese.

The early autumn day was mild and perfect for their outing. Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth listened with enjoyment as Mrs. Gardiner related stories about her childhood, places she had visited, her favourite prospects at little turnouts in the road, and the perfect places to go see the finest set of peaks.

As the carriage made slow progress up a hill, Mrs. Gardiner commented on how a short walk to the top would give a wonderful view of the surrounding vista. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner didn’t mind waiting whilst Elizabeth took the climb to the top.

Upon reaching the small summit, she closed her eyes, felt the breeze on her face, and imagined that she was back on the ship; not returning to England as she had most recently been, but making the crossing to America. Her thoughts took her back to standing on the deck next to the man who was—
who had been
—her husband. She believed in all likelihood he had annulled the marriage by now.

She reproached herself for letting her mind dwell upon these things. What she could not forget, however, was that somewhere in this county of Derbyshire was his country home.

She turned and looked across at the view. She could see for miles, and as she looked at the peaks in the distance, and the hills and dales below, she also saw little villages. But what caught her attention were the woods that dotted the landscape below. She did not think she had ever seen a more delightful prospect!

She returned to her aunt and uncle and commented on how lovely it all was.

“The peaks in the distance are beautiful, and the woods off in that direction seem so dense and lush! Aunt, you did not exaggerate. It is the most beautiful spot in the world.”

“I am so glad you like it, Lizzy. This is Thorpe Cloud, the entrance to Dovedale and its magnificent peaks.”

As they walked over to the waiting carriage, Mrs. Gardiner made a suggestion. “We could go home through those woods if you like, Lizzy. It will be a little out of the way, but there is an estate hidden in their midst that is not five miles from Lambton and is well worth the drive to see.”

“That sounds lovely, Aunt.”

They settled themselves in the carriage, and Elizabeth watched in admiration as they descended the hill and eventually drew into the woods. With trees on all sides and some forming a canopy across the road, Elizabeth pulled her shawl more snugly around her. She took a deep breath and savoured the various aromas the trees and foliage gave off.

“So, Aunt Madlyn, tell me about this estate we shall be seeing.”

“It is a grand estate, Lizzy. Although the house and furnishings itself are well worth seeing, the woods and gardens around the house are just as splendid. It has been years, though, since I have had the privilege of viewing it.”

Elizabeth clasped her hands. “It sounds beautiful.”

“Oh, it is indeed, Lizzy. There is none as beautiful as Pemberley!”

Elizabeth looked to her aunt sharply. “Pemberley?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Why, Pemberley was the name of the ship on which I sailed to America.
Pemberley’s Promise
.”

“That is right!” added her uncle. “Do you think there is any connection, Madlyn?”

“There is a very good chance it is owned by the same family.”

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in a quick movement as she reflected on this happenstance. “The ship was indeed very grand; I can imagine what the house must be like.”

“Who owns Pemberley, dearest?” asked Mr. Gardiner of his wife.

“The home belongs to the Darcy family. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Darcy died since I moved away…”

Elizabeth had been watching the scenery pass, but turned sharply at the mention of the name Darcy. Her eyes widened as if she had seen a ghost.

“Lizzy, is everything all right, dear?” her aunt inquired.

“
Who
did you say owns Pemberley?” she asked hesitantly.

“The Darcys. As I was saying, the elder Mr. and Mrs. Darcy died, and now their son, Fitzwilliam, I believe his name is, and his younger sister live there.” Her aunt looked at her with concern. “Lizzy, is something wrong?”

The nervousness in Elizabeth’s answer raised some concern on her aunt’s part. “It is nothing; save that there was a Mr. Darcy onboard the ship.”

“He would be in his late twenties, I believe. I have not seen him since he was a young boy, so I could not tell you what he looks like now. But it is highly probable that it was him. He would be a man of ample means.”

Elizabeth began wringing her hands together in a most disconcerted state. It was imperative that she talk her aunt and uncle out of visiting the home. She was in no way prepared to encounter him, and would feel the deepest sense of awkwardness if he discovered her in his home.

Her heart pounded in her chest and as she contemplated how she could discourage this visit, her uncle exclaimed, “Look!”

All eyes beheld the grand edifice that was suddenly before them. Elizabeth blinked several times, not believing the sight before her. Never had she seen a more beautiful home.

Her aunt looked at her. “Is it not beautiful, Lizzy?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth answered softly, marvelling at the stately manor before them, and cognizant of the fact that she had become, unknowingly, mistress of this place just a few months back. But she was drawn out of her reverie by the pressing concern that they could not stop here!

She put her hand upon her aunt’s. “Aunt, I am truly tired, and I do not think we should stop and disturb the family. I would feel awkward encountering Mr. Darcy if he should be here.”

“Oh, Lizzy. I am sure he would not even remember that you were on the ship.” She, in turn, patted her niece’s hand in reassurance. “A man in his position surely kept to those of his own society.”

Her uncle then added, “Certainly if you were in steerage, you would have had very little contact with the man.” As he looked back upon the house he commented, “I am sure he had one of the finest cabins on the ship.”

Trying to appear calm, she applied herself to their conversation. “Yes, he did.”

Her uncle’s eyebrows raised and asked, “You saw his room, niece? How did you happen to see it?”

Wishing away the blush that spread across her face, she was grateful she did not have to lie. “I turned my ankle while taking the steps up one afternoon, and he happened across me at that moment. I could not walk on it, so he carried me to his room, which happened to be nearby.” She quickly added, “But he did have another woman accompany us, and it was she who tended my ankle while Mr. Darcy secured some bandages to wrap it.”

“That was very considerate of him,” her aunt commented.

As the carriage drew closer to Pemberley, Elizabeth felt an increasing tightening of her heart and lungs and felt compelled to insist they turn back, but without any rational thought to offer up as an excuse.

“Please, Aunt. May we please just go home?”

Her uncle looked at her. “Lizzy, if you are that uncomfortable, I could go to the door and ascertain if the gentleman is at home. If he is, I shall tell them we do not want to disturb them. If he is not, then there can be no harm in viewing the house. What say you to that?”

The carriage pulled up to the front door and slowed down. Elizabeth thought how much she would love to see inside the home, but her fear of encountering William and her curiosity to see Pemberley battled within. She finally nodded. “But only if he is not at home.”

When they pulled up, Mr. Gardiner got out of the carriage and walked up to the front door. Elizabeth felt as though hours passed as she sat there in the carriage, cognizant of the fact that if he was at home, he could just as readily walk out and see them. Her heart raced as she waited.

At length her uncle returned with a smile on his face. “He is not at home. He is visiting a friend, and we have been invited in. Shall we go?”

Elizabeth felt relieved that he was not here and that they would be able to tour the house and grounds without the chance of encountering him. At the same time, her heart felt a strong regret that she would
not
have the opportunity to
see him.

Mrs. Reynolds graciously received them and she gave them a little background about the home and the family. Elizabeth listened in awe as she looked around her at the elegant furnishings. A month ago she was legally the mistress of this place, yet at the same time she felt as though she was trespassing.

As they walked in, Elizabeth heard music being played on a pianoforte. It was very beautiful, and she wondered if it could be William’s sister.

The first room they visited was a sitting room, boasting a large fireplace with various pictures upon the mantel. Mrs. Reynolds pointed out that they were all the late Mr. Darcy’s favourites, and were exactly as he had left them, in his memory and honour.

Elizabeth at once recognized William’s likeness in a small portrait that was probably done quite a few years ago.

Mrs. Reynolds began going through each one. “This is my master here.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked at Elizabeth. “Is that a similar likeness to the man who was on the ship, Lizzy?”

Nervously, Elizabeth answered, “Yes.”

“Oh, my dear, do you know my master?” asked Mrs. Reynolds.

“We sailed on the same ship to America a few months back.”

“Oh, you sailed on
Pemberley’s Promise
, then! How was the crossing?”

“It was long, but I do not believe there could be a more superb ship.”

“And what did you think of my master? Is he not the finest, most handsome man?” Mrs. Reynolds barely allowed any time for Elizabeth to answer as she continued with her praise of him. Elizabeth was rendered mute by clashing feelings of nervous distress and heightened elation.

“He is certainly the best master, kind to all his servants. How we missed him, and I must confess worried about him and his sister until they were safely back.”

She turned to the other pictures on the mantel, but Elizabeth could no longer concentrate. She felt pale again, and her head was dizzy with all this news. She had finally found herself able to go through a day without feeling the pain and anguish of never seeing him again, and then suddenly, unexpectedly, she was thrown into the midst of his very life.

They followed Mrs. Reynolds to a few other rooms. They were shown the library, and Elizabeth commented to Mrs. Reynolds on the extent of the books he owned.

“Do you enjoy reading, miss?”

“When I get the chance to, I do. I have never seen a personal library as extensive as this!” She walked from shelf to shelf, eyeing the books and letting her hand brush softly over the spines.

“Oh, my master loves to read. He loves to stimulate and broaden his mind. If you like this, I could show you his study, as well, down the hall.”

As they progressed on the tour, Mrs. Reynolds continued her discourse. “I normally do not show people into this room, but since he is not here, and I feel it is reflective of my master’s person, I think we can take a little peek. I believe you will enjoy how many more books he has in here.”

She opened the door to a large study. Elizabeth immediately noticed more shelves of books that framed the fireplace. The desk in the centre of the room was of strong, dark wood, with a leather chair situated behind it.

“Mr. Darcy spends a vast deal of time here, doing work, reading, and relaxing.” She walked over to the large fireplace on the other side of the room. “And these pictures and various objects are some of
his
favourites.”

Elizabeth glanced over at the fireplace, above it to the mantel, and then to the extent of the books on the shelves. Her love of books prompted her to walk toward them, but suddenly, her eyes went back to the mantel, seeing something that markedly drew her attention. She walked slowly over to it, feeling a tingling sensation course through her body. There, in the midst of all the pictures of his family, was the small sampler she had inadvertently left behind in his room, framed, and situated on a little stand.

Mrs. Reynolds walked over and joined her. “Most of these are likenesses of his family; his mother, his father, and here is his sister.” She noticed Elizabeth’s attention to the sampler. “This is something my master brought back after his trip. He must have purchased it from the person who made it, as it was not even framed. He had me frame it and set it up here. I believe he must have liked the verse upon it.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked at the words on the verse, “Think only upon the past as it gives pleasure…”

How odd
, she thought.
That is one of Lizzy’s favourite sayings.

Elizabeth was stunned and rendered speechless by its presence among his favourite mementos. She dared not allow herself to think that her sampler framed and set here meant anything. It did leave her with a rather blissful feeling, however. She turned to leave with the others, falling a little behind, and as she passed his leather chair, she could not keep her hand from sliding over the back of it. She could almost feel his warmth on it as if he had just been seated there. Before stepping out of his study, she gave one last glance back at her sampler and, without thought she drew her hand up to her heart, pressing firmly against it as if to attempt to calm it.

They walked down the long portrait gallery, where a much larger portrait of Darcy was exhibited along with family members of long ago. She was grateful that Mrs. Reynolds stopped in front of it, as the sight of it abruptly halted her. It was a striking painting and captured him with a very peaceful and pleasant demeanour. As she gazed upon it, she realized how living here must afford him the peace and solitude he so thoroughly enjoyed.