At a sharp rap on the door, she rose and lifted the latch. Tommy had returned and was now accompanied by a man carrying a medium-sized crate.
“Beggin’ yer pardon, miss, but yer order from the chandler be here. And there be a packet of letters handed off by Mr. Gardiner himself. Do ye want the crate stored below or were ye needin’ it in yer quarters?”
“Oh!” Elizabeth wondered where she could store the items without tripping over them. “Here, please.”
Over the next few minutes, crewmen delivered three crates, a small box, and three letters. One was from Aunt Gardiner, one from Jane, and a scrap of paper, unfolded and unsealed, came from Lydia.
The box was from a waterfront ships’ chandler that carried everything from turpentine and tar to tools and sailcloth. Saving the letters for later, she unwrapped the contents of the small box, which contained Sheffield steel knives, scissors, and needle cases along with fine sewing needles and pins.
Her uncle had sent three crates from his warehouse, each lined with oilcloth to protect against the salt air. The first held items he exported: fine wool shawls, printed calicoes, small pieces of superior English broadcloth, and handkerchiefs she could embroider during the long days at sea. The second held packets of high-quality English tea, hallmarked silver teaspoons, and four fine bone china teacups and saucers. The third held sweet-smellinglavender and rose-scented soaps, artist’s supplies, and small mirrors in decorative frames.
Whenever they were in port, Elizabeth and her father would likely be guests of British officers and their wives. Those ladies would hunger for luxury items from home, and their husbands would welcome the chance to obtain them. A captain or trusted crew member would handle each transaction for a fee, unless Elizabeth chose to present an item as a hostess gift. Any funds she earned would remain with the captain until the journey ended, preserving her appearance as a proper English lady instead of a merchant trader. Her father had brought a pile of books that would serve the same purpose. At least, that was the plan.
Setting the letters aside, she tucked the rest of the items under their bunk and then left to find her father.
Darcy stoodat the window of his study, the evening shadows lengthening across the garden. Parker, his valet, had finished packing hours prior and made no effort to conceal his relief at staying behind. TheMeridian’s narrow quarters left no room for servants. Richard had volunteered for the upper bunk, which solved at least one problem. The cramped quarters would be a trial. Attempting to court Elizabeth under his cousin’s watchful eye would be another matter. But nothing could be done about either. By now, Elizabeth was already at sea. Darcy turned from the window. Tomorrow would not come soon enough.
Elizabeth pressedher face to the small porthole, the grimy buildings of London’s docks sliding past. The Mediterranean beckoned, and they were answering its call.
Hours passed as they navigated the busy Thames. Behind them, London was a distant memory. Ahead lay the vast expanse of water that would carry them to places she never imagined she would travel. Next to her, her father suffered with every movement of the ship. If only she could bring him relief.
In the distance, across the channel, lay France—or rather, fog where France should be. What had she done, leaving everything familiar behind? Yet even as the question formed, anticipation surged through her. She could not wait to experience everything.
A hesitant knock came at their cabin door. Elizabeth opened it to find Tommy holding a steaming tin cup. “Beggin’ yer pardon, miss,” he said. “Cook thought you might fancy some tea. Proper tea, not the ship’s usual swill.” He glanced past her to where her father lay motionless on his bunk. “How’s yer Pa farin’?”
She accepted the cup, touched by this small kindness. “My father is managing as best he can.”
The boy shuffled his feet. “The lads are sayin’ we might be in for a bit of weather. Could be three, maybe four days or more ’fore we clear the Channel proper and reach the Atlantic.”
Elizabeth considered what this meant for her father’s suffering. “Three days in these waters?”
“Aye, miss. The wind isn’t with us, see, and the Channel’s got her moods. We might have to tack back and forth a fair bit.” Tommy’s brow creased with sympathy. “Mrs. Bell, she’s a woman that Mr. Gardiner sends when we have lady passengers on the ship, says ginger comfits might help your father, if you’d like me to bring some.”
“That would be wonderful, Tommy. Thank you for telling me about the conditions ahead. Knowledge is always preferable to uncertainty, even when the news is not what we hoped.” Elizabeth managed a smile despite her concern. “Please extend my sincerest thanks to Mrs. Bell. I look forward to becoming acquainted with her once my father is able to stand on his own.”
The lad shrugged. “I’m thinkin’ that you will not see her for many days then.”
Sighing, Elizabeth replied, “I do suppose you are correct.”
“She’s a lovely lady. A captain’s widow. She knows the sea, that’s for sure.” He grinned. “Think of it this way, miss. Once we reach the Atlantic, it’s straight sailin’ south to Gibraltar. The Mediterranean’s waitin’, and all those sights ye’ll see.”
As the boy hurried away to obtain the ginger comfits, Elizabeth returned to her porthole. Sipping her tea, she glanced at her father, still sleeping fitfully, and whispered, “We are doing it, Papa.”
His only response was a groan.
She wished she could relieve his misery. To distract herself, she opened the letter from Aunt Gardiner.
My dearest Lizzy,
How I envy you this extraordinary experience. And now, you are on your way.
We suspect that the greatest treasures you will discoverare not ancient artifacts but the bonds of friendship that transcend language and nationality. Do not be surprised if strangers invite you to share their table or their stories.
Some customs may puzzle you. Others may challenge your preconceptions. Many will warm your heart with their simple humanity. Observe how different cultures blend and adapt. It will broaden your understanding of how people can maintain their traditions while embracing necessary change. In all the places you go, remember that you represent not only our family but England itself.
Your uncle and cousins join me in sending our love. We are confident that you will conduct yourself with the grace that has always marked your character. Enjoy your journey. We hope that it will be everything you anticipate.
Your devoted aunt,
