Seagulls circled above and Elizabeth stopped and pointed ahead, across the endless green-gray waves, to a distant misty sprouting of rocks and trees. At the same moment, from high up in the rigging, un unusually animated cry rang out, "Land, ho! Land at the starboard side." Hefty footsteps stamped up on every stair from the lower decks.
Griffiths was among the first on deck. He cast a friendly eye to the Bennet sisters. His face brightened and he smiled at the sight of land.
Soon more men than Elizabeth realized there were still on board had raced onto the deck. Some raised their hats aloft, some waved their arms. Many cheered and shouted. Even Captain McDevitt’s angry scowl seemed to lift and lighten. For that moment aboard the Aspire, Elizabeth felt she was in good company. Looking around she saw a smile on the scarred face of the man who had stepped to their rescue early in the voyage. Near to him, frock-coated Jake and his burly companions waved and cheered.
It felt as if the whole boat was arriving home. That, in Elizabeth's heart, was the loneliest moment of the whole journey. She held tight to Jane’s arm. “I could not have survived this journey without you, sister.”
The first full smile Jane had made in what seemed like ages lit her face and she kissed her sister. “Not I without you, Lizzy,” and she squeezed Elizabeth tightly.
“Maybe,” Elizabeth said, attempting to be light, “But if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had to come.”
“Nonsense.” Jane’s eyes shone, “If it were not for you, your formidable gentleman might have been guided by Colonel Fitzwilliam to my lesser charm. I could have been coming instead of you.”
Elizebeth at that point didn’t know whether or not she would have preferred that arrangement.
11
“The taller, dark-haired one is the younger, I believe, and resembles Richard’s portraits. She’s presentable enough. She will do.” Darcy waited by the carriage with his good friend Charles Bingley. After everything that Charles had heard from Richard about both sisters and, most particularly after he saw Richard’s charming pencil and watercolor sketch of Jane, he had been determined to accompany Darcy to the dock to greet the new arrivals and to accompany them to their new accommodation.
“The older sister is the one who has come solely to act as companion and chaperone?“ Charles’ head bobbed as he craned his neck to watch the slender young blonde lady walk down the companionway and onto dry land, “But, dash it, Darcy, if you were to change your resolve and aim for her instead, I think I should have to call you and challenge you to a duel.”
Darcy indulged his friend. “Of course, the older girl is the prettier, Bingley, but it doesn’t matter to me. You know my purpose here. As long as the girl is serious and not entirely stupid, she will suffice for my need.” His smile was one of genuine affection and admiration for his friend. Often he wished that he could have such an agreeably easy good humor. He clapped Charles on the shoulder, “Your impetuous heart does you credit, my friend, it shows a lightness and an energy of spirit that is most attractive. I must warn you again though, against your hanging too much weight upon the spontaneous bursts of your enthusiasms.”
“But the younger, the one you are to have, in her eyes, do you not see a brightness and spark of intelligence to make your own heart skip?”
“I see my future wife, Bingley, and I must accommodate myself to the consequences.”
Darcy’s eyes hardened, “Who’s that greeting them?”
“Oh, gosh, Darcy,” Bingley exclaimed. “Wait here. Let me see him off. You’ll be too angry, I can see it already.”
12
“Good afternoon, ladies,” the thrillingly deep voice was that of a gentleman in a blue suit with a fine military mustache who had been talking with Jake the sailor. On seeing Elizabeth and Jane, he tipped his hat. His eyes gleamed. After their long weeks with only seafaring men for company, this well-mannered stranger showed a courtesy and grace that Elizabeth had missed.
She had quite forgotten what an uplifting comfort it was to be addressed with care and respect by a gentleman.
“Welcome to Oregon,” he said, and he bowed to each of them in turn.
His welcome made the two sisters feel that they had found an oasis of light and calm among the shouts and the dusty bustling of the dockside. Delight bloomed inside Elizabeth and she had to make an effort to keep her proper composure.
He said, “I am here to collect some insignificant items of cargo which, I should say, is of much less interest than you two lovely young ladies. I had no idea that the Aspire was carrying beautiful passengers like yourselves or I would have come to meet her every time she docked.”
Elizabeth steadied herself, saying, “We have been some weeks on board ship, where nobody troubled too much with introductions.” She waited for the gentleman to announce himself.
A boyishly handsome young man slipped past their new companion and put out a hand, “I can make introductions if you will allow me.”
His face was aglow. His curly hair, of the kind known as ‘strawberry blond,’ was a little unruly, but his dress and his manners were perfect. His bright eyes lit like jewels when he caught a full glance at Jane and Elizabeth noticed a spark in her eyes answering his eager smile.
Jane made a small curtsey, “How charming of you, sir. And how obliging.”
“I am Mr. Charles Bingley. And very pleased to make your acquaintances, both.”
Their blue suited gentleman was agitated and Elizabeth thought she saw a flash of anger in his eyes. Still, he said, “You delightful young ladies have traveled from the East and come all this way adventuring? Well, I see it as my duty to ensure that you are suitably protected. I am George Wickham. At your service.” And as he inclined his head, he gave Elizabeth a glance that seemed quite confidential.
She was sure that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Wickham knew each other but if that was the case they gave no appearance of friendliness.
Mr. Bingley smiled as he put a determined elbow forward for Jane, “And now, young ladies, your carriage awaits, and with it your host. I am sure that Mr. Wickham would not wish to detain you.”
“I might wish it, Mr. Bingley, but I won’t press the matter. If these young flowers are in your care, then I will have to be content that they are in safe hands.”
“The young sisters are the guests of Mr. Darcy.”
When Mr. Wickham heard that, his face darkened.
Smiling, Mr. Bingley told him, ‘Good day,’ and Mr. Wickham moved aside.
Mr. Bingley offered his other elbow to Elizabeth and led the Bennet sisters through the busy mass of men moving boxes, sacks, and crates hither and thither. By the step to the splendid carriage and four, was a man Elizabeth recognized on sight.
Her heart still quickened at the sight of him. His chin tipped its heroic cleft upward with the arrogance of a man who was never to be denied. He was settling something in a purse with the scar-faced man from their voyage. Seeing Elizabeth and Jane, the man smiled and touched his forelock as he departed.
Tall, broad and brooding, heavily hooded lids with uncommonly long lashes swept over the intensity of his dark eyes. A lock of his thick black hair hung free over his high brow. The picture Elizabeth carried all the way from Boston in her purse, the image that was etched on her memory, fine though it was, did little justice to the commanding presence of the man in the flesh.
Standing tall and erect by the lacquered black carriage, his eye rested on Elizabeth. Proud and certain of himself he made a graceful bow of his head and shoulders to her first, and then to her sister. To Elizabeth particularly, he introduced himself.
“Darcy. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Ma’am.” She offered her hand. When the warmth of his lips pressed gently on the backs of her fingers, a jolt shook through her.
Her senses were still in a whirl when he held open the carriage door. “My men will collect your baggage.” He reached up to open the carriage door. His large, strong hands were powerful and elegantly shaped. He manipulated the lever to operate the
coach door with a light dexterity that made a powerful impression on Elizabeth. He instructed her, “Miss Bennet if you and your sister will take the rear seats you will have a more comfortable ride, as well as a better chance to see the countryside.”
When he assisted her up into the carriage his manner was most gallant. As they settled into the carriage, she found her eyes strayed often to the length of his beautiful fingers.
The traveling compartment inside the carriage was as splendid as the lacquered coachwork. When Elizabeth and Jane were comfortably seated, Mr. Darcy settled himself on the bench facing Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley took obvious pleasure in seating himself to face Jane. Almost immediately he seemed to have lost all of his conversation. Fortunately, Mr. Darcy showed no such difficulty.
“I trust your journey on the Aspire was not too strenuous. I am sure there were considerable discomforts for you both to bear.”
Elizabeth sat up, “The man, the large man with the marked face who I saw you talking with, Mr. Darcy, he came to our rescue on the ship. He set himself as our protector, I am certain of it.”
“I would very much hope that he did, Miss Bennet. Griffiths is a man I knew from my own time in service, with Bingley here and with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who you know already. Griffiths was one of the most staunch, capable and fearless men in our whole regiment. When I learned that he was in Brookline, I sent word to him to join the crew on that voyage for the very purpose of ensuring your safety and well-being. It was a comfort to me to have so reliable a man watch over you.”
“You have taken considerable trouble, Mr. Darcy and gone to great expense to bring us here. I am grateful for your care and attention.”
“You are here safe and well. That was the whole of my concern.”
Elizabeth believed that her anticipation of him was confirmed. That he was a man who wanted to be in control of his situation and his surroundings, always. His pride and his arrogance all confirmed her in her belief of him. He was even more aloof in person than she was prepared for from seeing his picture and reading his words. Now she heard echoes of her uncle’s warning.
Would she be able to adapt herself to be with such an inflexible man? He was not a man to be easily persuaded in any matter. He would form his own opinion and would know what he wanted, and, whatever it was, he would take it. Other opinions, the wishes of other people would be little more than annoyances to him.
What kind of a man had she agreed to give herself to? His face, though undeniably handsome, betrayed little or no emotion. His feelings, if he had any, could not be read in his eyes or on his expression and what passed from his lips also gave little away.
“On that, I insist,” Mr. Darcy’s commanding voice brought her back into the carriage as though it had reached inside her to scoop her out of a dream. It was firm and strong, and discomfortingly dark.
Elizabeth had been lost and transfixed by the view that passed outside the carriage. Snow-capped mountains that she recognized from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s paintings stood as a scenic backdrop to a lush and green landscape, rich with forests and slopes under picturesque clouds in deep blue sky.
What gripped her fascination was a great buiding, majestic and set high on an emerald plain among geometric patterns of paths, ponds, and the plantings of exquisitely laid out gardens, a gleaming palace shimmering golden, bathed in the afternoon sun. The beautiful lines and proportions of the house were reflected in the patterns of the gardens and pools.
With fountains either side and a great water display at the center, in front of the house, it seemed to be an elegant fairy-tale setting for the greatest romance.
His voice demanded her attention and, flushed, she had to admit, “Sir, I hope you will forgive me. I must confess that my attention was taken by this marvelous view and the most beautiful house. Do you know of it? I’m sure that you must.”
His long eyelashes swept slowly down and when they lifted his dark eyes were fixed upon her. “Yes, Miss Bennet. That is Pemberley.”
He said it as though he were mentioning the sun or the moon, as if it were something that everybody knew about. The house was like a palace in the garden of Eden.
“I’m sure that such a fabulous establishment must be known to everybody in these parts, sir, but I am not aware of it.”
“Pemberley, Miss Bennet. That house is Pemberley.” Was the trace of his smile mocking, condescending or merely amused? Elizabeth could not have said. His voice gave nothing more away, either. “It is my home. Our destination.”
“Oh, my.”
The carriage turned off the road and onto a drive. The drive led straight to the fantastic house. To Pemberley.
Elizabeth put her fingers to her lips. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Jane’s flushed cheeks. She couldn’t have said for sure if the cause was the sight of the house, the warmth in the carriage, or the flickering glances between herself and the excited Mr. Bingley.
“So, as I was explaining, unfortunate as it may be there is a need for discretion about the purpose of your being here, Miss Bennet.”
“Sir, you may call me Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, but I will not.” His expression did not change. “I could not be so informal in any company outside this group, except with Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth saw sense in what he said. He continued, “That would make it seem deceitful to address you, either of you in private in a way,” he looked toward Jane, then his face swung back to Elizabeth, “if it was different or inconsistent.”
Elizabeth wasn’t certain that she agreed or that shared his point of view. She did like and respect him taking the issue so seriously, though. Not only the matter of their address but the truthfulness of it, too.
More, having a secret between them did not seem as though it would be all bad a thing. Some advantages may present themselves if only from the enjoyment of a confidence shared.
The clop of the horses’ hooves and the rumble of the carriage wheels changed in tone as the carriage took the curving sweep of the drive. Flowers in the gardens distinctly scented the air and Elizabeth felt it cooled from the fountains as they drew up to the great house.
Jane’s eyes were cast down, although Elizabeth saw them flash and was sure that she wanted to raise them to feast upon her traveling companion. She had not spoken one word on their journey, as far as Elizabeth knew, and neither had Mr. Bingley and yet they both of them looked to be uncommonly happy.
Close up, the house seemed overwhelming. The stone portico loomed high above the carriage and as she stepped out in front of the wide stone steps that led to the entrance, Elizabeth wondered how she could ever imagine herself becoming the mistress of such an establishment.
13
The centerpiece of the carved entrance hall was a huge crystal chandelier, hanging above the foot of the grand staircase. Mr. Darcy’s voice echoed in the huge hall as though the house was an extension of him and he was a part of the house.
“You must wish to refresh yourselves. Your bags will be carried up and unpacked. Tell the staff of anything that you need. You would perhaps like some food and drink while your luggage is dealt with. A table will be prepared in the morning room.” His arm swept out to indicate a tall pair of oak paneled double doors that led off the grand hallway.
“Help yourselves. I will see you later.” His eyes searched Elizabeth’s before he turned on his heel to stride away. The smart snap of his boots resounded through the great house as he left.
He gave a nod to Mr. Bingley, who turned to Elizabeth and Jane, saying, “Yes. I shall see you later, too. It’s very nice to meet you,” and he smiled, giving the greater smile to Jane before he turned back to hurry after Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth had no appetite. She was weary but she had no wish to sit or lie down. She felt only out of place and adrift.
When she and Jane approached the double doors, two uniformed footmen came forward to swing them open. The high, red-paneled room was bathed in sunlight. Ornate woodwork was cream with decorati
ve details in gold. At the far end of the room, a wide table was set out with a buffet.
A tall man in uniform stood by the table. Before he began to turn, Elizabeth and Jane both hurried toward the man they recognized as Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. So far away from home, the sight of a familiar and friendly face lightened Elizabeth’s heart.
His smile was wide and generous. To Elizabeth, he appeared like a beacon of comfort and safety. At the touch of his hand, even their formal greetings lifted her spirit. He asked about their voyage and, when she glossed over the difficulties and discomforts, Elizabeth noticed how his eyes watched.
She felt the reassuring sense that, behind her words, Richard was able to detect some of the things that she did not say. It was a relief to Elizabeth that there was somebody here with whom she could share some understanding. Somebody who was part of the unfamiliar place she had arrived in. A friend who could guide her.
She took tea and nibbled on a sandwich. Sourdough bread was spread with rich butter, dill, a light mustard sauce and thin slices of salmon that was lightly tangy from being smoked. Her taste buds awoke and she realized they had been suppressed for most of the voyage. All the snacks on the buffet table seemed inviting to her now. Sampling from almost every plate as they talked, she and Jane declared that everything tasted fresh and entirely delightful.
“After a few weeks at sea, I know just how good fresh food can be. I know Mr. Darcy would want me to encourage you to taste as much as you would like.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam was preparing to take his leave, saying, “I’m sure that you must both be anxious to settle yourselves in. I will be seeing you both here soon, without a doubt. Welcome to Oregon. Welcome to the West. It’s wonderful to see you here.”
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