Grateful for Mrs. Bell’s imperturbable nature, Elizabeth said, “Does this happen every time you leave England?”
“Not at all. A multitude of unsavory events could take place. Or it is often the case that we will escape unscathed.” Mrs. Bell stared into the distance. “Life has a way of changing quickly. Captain Bell and I had so many plans, but his time was cut short before any of them came to fruition. One day, he was hale and happy. The next day, he was gone.”
“And you were alone.”
“Yes.” Mrs. Bell brought two steaming cups of tea to the table. “Miss Bennet, I determined then that I would be useful. I know every inch of a ship and every task that the sailors perform. I choose to involve myself in ways that make traveling more pleasant. For example, I search for the best cook in each port of call. Instead of asking for a meal, I take the time to learn their techniques. Then I share what I learned with the ship’s cook.”
She gestured toward the man preparing their evening meal. “Instead of a diet of hardtack and dried meat, the crew enjoys variety almost daily. I have found that nothing keeps a voyage peaceful like well-fed men.”
Mrs. Bell leaned forward, her enthusiasm lighting the room. “You know, Miss Bennet, when we reach our various ports, you might consider doing more than shopping for trinkets. There is an entire world of learning available if you know where to look.”
“What do you mean?”
“In Porto, there is a Portuguese cook who can show you skills you would never learn in England. The lacemakers create pieces that would make Londonseamstresses weep with envy. And the artists.” She gestured expressively. “For a few coins, you can commission skilled painters to capture scenes in your travel journal that would take you hours to describe in words.”
“I had not thought…that is, I assumed we would simply pass through these places.”
“Oh, my dear. What a waste that would be.” Mrs. Bell laughed. “You can return to England rich in knowledge and experience. And,” she added with a conspiratorial grin. “I know which markets offer the finest goods at the best prices. Silk from the East. Spices. Jewelry. Items that cost a fortune in London can be had for mere shillings if you know the right vendors.”
The full scope of these opportunities dawned on Elizabeth. She could find gifts that would dazzle her sisters.
Mrs. Bell leaned closer. “If I know your uncle, he suggested that you bring valuable trade goods that will sweeten the deal.”
“He did. There are crates full of various items in our quarters.”
“The value placed upon these goods will astound you. Imagine the independence that money would provide.”
“Would you be our guide when my father and I go ashore? And assist us when opportunities arise to trade or sell what we have brought?” Elizabeth could hardly contain her anticipation.
“Gladly. I am always delighted when there is another woman to confide in and to accompany me while in port.” Mrs. Bell smiled. “Besides, traveling with a companion like you is a pleasant change from some of the shrewish wives we often carry.”
Elizabeth rose with renewed energy. “Mrs. Bell, youhave turned this voyage from a scholarly quest into an adventure just as wonderful.”
Mrs. Bell grinned. “We will fill your time with things you will remember with pleasure in the years to come.”
As Elizabeth made her way back to their cabin, a new sense of purpose blossomed within her. She vowed to savor every encounter and opportunity in every port.
Darcy foundRichard on deck as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold. His cousin stood at the stern, studying the horizon with the practiced eye of a cavalry officer accustomed to reading terrain and assessing threats.
“How are you managing?” Richard asked without turning. Darcy heard his genuine concern.
“Better now that the danger has passed.” Darcy gripped the rail, grateful for the solid feel of the ship beneath his feet. “Richard, we need to discuss contingencies.”
His cousin’s eyebrows rose. “Contingencies?”
The weight of responsibility pressed down on Darcy’s shoulders like a physical burden. “Today’s encounter made clear how precarious our situation is. Should the worst happen to me…”
Richard turned to face him. “Darcy…”
“Before we left London, I made arrangements.” Darcy’s voice came out rougher than intended. He needed to voice these preparations aloud, as if speaking them would somehow ensure the worst would not take place. “If I am no longer alive, Georgiana inheritseverything. She would need your guidance, your complete attention. If Georgiana dies before being wed and having an heir, all of it goes to you.”
Richard was quiet for a long moment, his bearing reflecting the gravity of what Darcy was entrusting to him.
His cousin had been the brother Darcy never had, the one person whose judgment he trusted implicitly in matters of honor and duty.
“And if something befalls me,” Richard’s tone was measured. “I want you to have Ares.”
Ares, named after the Greek god of war, was Richard’s most prized possession, worth more to him than his commission or any material wealth. The gelding was no beauty by conventional standards, with his scarred coat and fierce temperament.
