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 on board, 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 on board 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.