Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (3 page)

As the ship slowly pulled away from the dock, tears welled up in her eyes as she continued to wave at her father. She looked at the name of the ship on a hanging sign that was carved out in wood. It gave her hope that this crossing would be most exceptional. The name of the ship was
Pemberley’s Promise
.

Fitzwilliam Darcy walked behind his valet, Durnham, down the stairway to his cabin. “Watch your head, sir. This is a particularly low ceiling.”

It was too late. Darcy had already bumped his head. “Drat!” He wondered with great consternation how he would ever survive a month in the confines of this ship. He
had
lowered his head at Durnham’s words; however, it was not enough due to his tall stature. He would have to remember to duck his head a vast deal more than usual in walking down to the first deck of the sleeping berths, where his was located.

They walked to the fore of the ship, to the premier of rooms, and entered. He gave a quick glance around his room, the finest on
Pemberley’s Promise
. But despite its elegant furnishings and expert craftsmanship, he was not looking forward to this journey, particularly if he had to spend an excessive amount of time in this exceedingly small vestibule.

“Sir, I hope you know what to expect. A month on a ship can be quite daunting, even on one of the finest ships around.” Durnham looked at him sternly. “Are you quite certain you do not wish me to accompany you?”

“Your father is ill and needs you. There is no need to concern yourself with me, Durnham. I shall manage quite well.”

“Still, it will not be easy. Even the most exceptionally constructed ship, such as this one, can be tossed and ravaged like a piece of driftwood in a storm. And storms come up frequently and quite suddenly out at sea.”

Darcy took in a deep breath, acknowledging the truth in Durnham’s words. He looked around his room and mumbled an agreement. Even though this ship,
his
ship, was one of the finest built, and this particular cabin was the premium on the ship, he knew he could be facing a physically demanding month at sea going, and then another month returning.

He had purchased the ship from his friend, Edward Stearnes, as an investment. Stearnes had been a fellow student at university and was known for building only the finest and expertly crafted ships. Darcy looked upon it as an excellent prospect. He handpicked the captain for the ship, Captain Martin Wendell, a longtime friend of the family. He knew this man had an excellent reputation as both a captain and gentleman, and paid a high sum to lure him from his previous ship.

He had never actually intended to embark on one of the ship’s crossings to America once he purchased it. He found himself today onboard, nevertheless, facing a voyage that would most likely tax his patience and unsettle his nerves. He was not looking forward to it, but it had to be done.

He had been guardian of his sister, Georgiana, for the past five years, since their father had died. She had recently been put under the companionship and care of Mrs. Annesley, who was a longtime friend of the Darcy family. Her husband had passed away, and she eagerly welcomed taking on this responsibility for the young girl. She had taken Georgiana under her wing after a most distressing and embarrassing incident. Distressing to Darcy and embarrassing to his sister. Georgiana had come very close to eloping and marrying a most deceptive and conniving childhood friend, under the complete approval and encouragement of her companion at that time, a Mrs. Younge.

Mrs. Annesley had always been well liked and trusted by Darcy. When he approached her to take the position as Miss Darcy’s companion, she heartily agreed. But subsequently, a few months after consenting to do this, she received word from her son and his wife from America that they were expecting their first child and invited her to come for a visit when the child was due to arrive. As she greatly desired to be there when her grandchild was born, as well as continue in her responsibility to Miss Darcy, whom she had known since she was an infant, she approached Darcy with a plan.

Her solution, which she proposed to him, was to take Georgiana with her to America. Initially Darcy was adamant against even considering it. Although he trusted Mrs. Annesley to the fullest and he certainly could not deny trusting his ship and its seaworthiness, he was not quite certain if he was willing to entrust Georgiana to it. Mrs. Annesley, armed with the arguments that Georgiana might never have this opportunity again and they could have many historical and varied lessons in seeing the new world firsthand, presented her case to him. But her greater argument in favour of it was that she felt that the young girl needed to be as far away as possible from the presence and power of George Wickham, the deceptive suitor, at least for a while.

Georgiana was also in favour of this. She had been hurt, deceived, and embarrassed by what happened. She had believed herself in love with Wickham, but looking back, she realized he had wormed his way into her heart with nothing more than a lust for her fortune. She felt that she had let her brother down in allowing herself to be deceived by him, by displaying a wanton lack of wisdom and maturity, and now she wanted an opportunity to get away and grow into the woman he expected her to be.

With the two of them pressuring and encouraging him, Darcy wrote to his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who shared Georgiana’s guardianship with him.

On the surface, Fitzwilliam tended not to take things as seriously as his cousin. He had a lively personality that Darcy lacked and often envied. Darcy therefore enjoyed their special familial relationship, close friendship, and joint decision-making responsibility regarding Georgiana. Fitzwilliam had strongly encouraged Darcy that this would be good for her, an experience that could bring about much growth and maturity, and he gave his hearty approval. Darcy knew the only thing hindering her from going was his own fear and concern for her safety. Finally, and most reluctantly, he gave in.

He waited anxiously for that first word back that they had arrived safely. He was grateful at length to learn they had a good, uneventful crossing. But he received word, soon after, that Mrs. Annesley had taken ill and it was unlikely that she would be able to make the trip back for some time. Darcy adamantly refused to allow Georgiana to make the return voyage unescorted, so he was now sailing on his own ship to America, to bring her back with him.

Darcy sat down on one of the two benches astride a very small table in his cabin. Two beds were situated on opposite walls in the narrow berth, and a small closet, a chest of drawers, and a dressing table and mirror would be the extent of his world for the next month.

Durnham finished putting away Darcy’s belongings and gave him some well-needed advice. “I have heard, sir, that the ways onboard a ship differ greatly from what we have come to expect in good society. You may likely have people boldly approaching you without first seeking an introduction.” He looked over at Darcy and raised his eyebrows as he fixed his eyes on his master. “The ladies, sir, when they find out who you are, will not, I fear, leave you alone.”

“Then they will not find out who I am. I am quite certain that there is no one on this ship who frequents the same circles I do. And I shall have a little talk with the captain so that he does not let anyone know anything about me, especially the fact that I own this ship.”

“That is wise, sir, but I fear it will not stop the ladies… or their mothers.” He smiled a knowing smile.

Darcy shifted uncomfortably. The last thing he wanted was to be pursued on this trip. A month in the confines of a ship, where anyone would be bold enough to come up and strike up a conversation with him, would disconcert him to no end. He could certainly be polite when the situation demanded it, but there most likely would be times when he would prefer solitude. He knew he would not be able to stay in his cabin for extended lengths of time. For his own sanity he would require to be out in the open, getting some fresh air, and taking ample opportunities to walk up on deck.

“Then what do you suggest I do?” Darcy asked, not really expecting an answer.

“I suggest you find yourself a
wife
for the duration of the voyage.” Durnham laughed and Darcy grimaced.

Darcy had always respected his wise, faithful valet. But Durnham had a tendency to occasionally tease him, and it had taken Darcy years to accept it as part of his personality. Darcy had never nurtured the ability to tease others himself, and sometimes wished he could. Whenever he
did
make an attempt, it usually was not taken in the way he intended. He
had
learned over the years to read his valet’s face to determine whether or not what he was saying was in jest.

Durnham continued. “Oh, and sea sickness, sir. Until you get your sea legs, it is likely that the movement of the ship will cause you to be sick. Eat just enough during your first few days to keep food in your stomach, but do not overdo it. If you begin to feel sick, breathe slowly and deeply. Keep out in the fresh air as much as you can. It will help.”

“Thank you, Durnham. I shall heed your advice. Er… the sea sickness part, not the
wife
part.”

“Yes, sir.” Durnham tried to hide a small smirk as he thought of all the years he had been with this man and how, slowly but surely, Darcy had come to accept his friendly humour. Durnham strongly felt that his master still took himself too seriously, and it was only in very rare and exceptional moments that he let his guard down and really enjoyed life. It was truly his only fault of character.

With his task completed, Durnham asked if there was anything else he could do before he disembarked.

“No, but I thank you for everything. Let me accompany you back aloft. I want to be up on deck when the ship pulls away from the dock and the sails are unfurled.” He was anxious to watch the crew as they climbed the rigging and manoeuvred the sails when she set out.

As they walked up to the top deck, Darcy resorted to the stern, taciturn mannerism he had come to perfect over the years. He avoided eye contact with the multitude of people about him, hoping to disappear in their midst. They had not yet called for non-passengers to depart the ship, so the deck was replete with tearful farewell hugs and kisses as loved ones prepared to depart.

Durnham solemnly turned to his master, whom he had been with for five years, having moved into that role when Darcy’s father died. He had kept the position of head valet, merely changing masters. He had not been out of his presence save a few days here and there for all those years.

“Sir, I must now take my leave. I pray you have an excellent crossing now, and again when you return with Miss Darcy. I hope that your sister is well and I look forward to your return.”

“Thank you, Durnham. I hope all goes well with your father. I shall see you, hopefully, inside three months.”

The two men shook hands, and Darcy sadly watched him leave. He was an exceptional valet, and even though Darcy was capable of taking care of himself, he would miss the respectful friendship they shared. Durnham was without equal in his ability to know when Darcy needed solitude or companionship, silence or a tactfully placed word, and when he would tolerate teasing and when best to refrain from banter of any sort.

Darcy found a place to stand out of the way of passengers. He was anxious for the voyage to begin and passed the time by watching the other passengers as, one by one, family members or loved ones departed the ship. He tried to conjecture why those passengers sailing on his ship were going to America. It touched him to think that families were possibly being separated for the rest of their lives. It had been hard enough to know that Georgiana was such a distance from him for only a few months. He could not imagine her going off indefinitely. But he had heard of many doing that very thing.

He stood with his back to the side of the ship, leaning against it, and his elbows bent back, resting upon the rails. He was grateful that at this point, everyone was more concerned with their goodbyes than with noticing him. He could watch without drawing any unwanted attention to himself.

He noticed a young, dark-haired woman he estimated to be about twenty, on the arm of an older gentleman. He initially thought she looked familiar, but given the clothes she was wearing, he judged she most likely did not frequent the same social circles as he. As he watched them, he was surprised when the elder gentleman gave her a fervent hug and, with tears in his eyes, left the ship.

Could she be travelling unescorted? He found that impossible to comprehend and would never have allowed Georgiana to do such a thing. He wondered what her circumstances could be that would have induced her to do this. Perhaps she had secured a position as a governess in America. Perhaps she was a mail-order bride. No, he absently shook his head. He did not like that idea.

He looked over at an older couple. He pondered whether they might be travelling to see a son or a daughter who had set off for the new world to find a better life. Perhaps they had finally sent for the parents, having secured work that raised them to a higher position than they had been in England.

There was the young man who, Darcy conjectured, was off to America solely for the adventure. Perhaps he loved to travel and for him, this was just another exciting place to visit.

He saw many ladies, fashionable and not so fashionable, and began to feel their eyes and the eyes of their plotting mothers, and sometimes even their fathers, upon him as they noticed the absence of any lady on his arm. He knew his patience would be tried and his composure stretched to the limit as he would have few places on this ship to seek the solitude he needed and desired, except for his room. And that was too small for him to remain secluded in for the length of the trip!

It was announced that those not sailing had to depart the ship. Loved ones bid their final farewells, and the passengers lined the railing for one final glimpse. He looked over at the dark-haired young lady who was now waving at the man he supposed to be her father. The gangway was removed and shortly after, a few sails were unfurled. Darcy looked up at the beautiful white sheets that billowed like clouds against the deep blue sky. Only a few were set free, to give the ship just enough wind to pull slowly away from the dock.

He brought his eyes down and noticed that the young lady, whom he had seen earlier, was watching the sails, as well, and she was smiling with apparent joy. He kept his eyes on her as she turned back to her father on the shore. The ship slowly began to sail away from the dock, and she continued waving. As people on the shore grew smaller to the eye, many left the railing. But this lady remained as long as she could see the dock where the gentleman stood. He wondered whether she was ever going to see her family again.