Mr. Darcy said, “Wickham is lazy, and he does not have the intellect to solve the puzzles himself, so he will not attempt to conduct his own search. I am sure he wants us to unravel the clues and determine the treasure’s location, and then he will steal whatever we discover.”
“He would steal the scrolls?” Elizabeth asked. “How would the lost library be of any benefit to him?”
The colonel scoffed. “I suspect that the treasure hethinkswe are looking for includes gold and jewels, antiquities worth their weight in good British sovereigns.” Headdressed Elizabeth’s father. “Sir, you also should know that we are not the only ones pursuing the scrolls. While we were in Porto, I received information confirming Professor Drye’s suspicion that the French have launched their own expedition seeking Alexandria’s lost library.”
Her father rubbed the whiskers on his chin. “We must pray that we are several steps ahead of the French team. Since we are now united in our determination to outwit Mr. Wickham and outpace the French, I have a suggestion. TheMary Catherineis expected to be fully repaired by Friday. Captain Morrison has assured me she will be seaworthy for the remainder of our journey. Several quarters carried a large supply of provisions that are currently being offloaded for the garrison. This means at least one room will be unoccupied for the rest of the trip. With the permission of Captain Morrison, would you consider joining us aboard our ship?”
The prospect of weeks in Mr. Darcy’s company?weeks to become better acquainted with the man behind the mask?filled Elizabeth with an anticipation she hardly dared acknowledge.
What in heaven is happening to me?
“Are you certain?” Mr. Darcy asked. “Two additional passengers will strain your own accommodations considerably.”
“Nonsense,” Her father replied with a wave of his hand. “Lizzy and I are hardly taking up much space. We will all be more at ease knowing exactly where everyone is. Besides, this will allow us to discuss the clues leading us to Rome and beyond without fear of Mr. Wickham or any Frenchman gaining information.”
“If it is satisfactory to Captain Morrison, then weaccept,” Mr. Darcy said. “And might I also suggest that we make Mrs. Bell aware of our purpose? She is a discerning woman who knows the lay of the land far better than we do.”
The colonel quickly agreed.
As they made their plans for the next phase of their journey, Elizabeth observed the man seated across from her. The arrogant, disagreeable gentleman she thought she knew had disappeared. She was humbled at the realization that she had so thoroughly mistaken his character. More than that, her new understanding of him was undeniably comforting.
16
Early the next day, the morning sun blazed down upon Gibraltar’s famous Rock as Elizabeth and Prudence, followed by Mr. Darcy and the colonel, made their way through the garrison’s bustling streets. After the harrowing experiences of the past few days, Elizabeth was eager for a pleasant diversion.
“I do hope we meet someone in Gibraltar who shares Miguel’s artistic spirit.” She adjusted her parasol against the Mediterranean sun. “His drawings of Porto are my most precious possessions from our trip thus far.”
Prudence was delighted. “I know just the person. He is not a resident this time but one of our own British officers. Talented as they come, but shy as a church mouse when it comes to ladies.”
Within the hour, she had led them to a quiet corner of the garrison’s main courtyard where a young officer sat drawing in the shade of an olive tree.
At their approach, the artist looked up, and Elizabeth immediately understood Prudence’s description. Hescrambled to his feet in such haste that his sketching materials scattered across the ground.
Second Lieutenant Matthew King was approximately twenty-two or twenty-three with striking blond hair that caught the sunlight like spun gold and the brightest blue eyes Elizabeth had ever seen. His face was darkly tanned from months under the Mediterranean sun, creating a dramatic contrast with his fair coloring.
“Lieutenant King,” Prudence said with fondness. “I would like you to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Fitzwilliam. Miss Bennet and gentlemen, this is Gibraltar’s resident artist, though he tries to hide his light under a bushel basket.”
“Mrs. Bell, please!” The young man flushed pink from her praise. He attempted to gather the spilled pencils and papers. “I am hardly…that is, I merely…” He straightened, clutching his pad to his chest like a shield. “I am honored to make your acquaintance.”
“The honor is ours, Lieutenant King,” Elizabeth said warmly. “I am hoping to commission drawings for my travel journal, if you would be so kind.”
“Commission?” The lieutenant’s voice cracked on the word. “I…that is…I would be delighted to…if you think…” He seemed to lose the thread of his sentence when Elizabeth presented him with a gentle smile.
“I have recently discovered how wonderful it is to have one’s travels captured in drawings. They bring back not just the sight of a place, but all the feelings associated with it.”
The young officer stared at her for a long moment. “Yes,” he said. “Yes, exactly! That is precisely what artshould do?capture not only what we see…but what we feel.”
“Would you show us some of your work?” Elizabeth suggested, taking pity on the young man’s obvious nervousness.
The lieutenant’s sketchbook revealed page after page of Gibraltar’s dramatic cliffs, detailed studies of local flora, portraits of his fellow officers, and landscapes that captured the wild beauty of the coast with surprising skill.
“These are lovely,” Elizabeth said, leaning closer to examine a particularly fine drawing of the Rock at sunset.
“Thank you,” the lieutenant managed. “I…my father never thought much of my drawing. Said it was not a proper pursuit for a gentleman. He insisted I take a commission instead.”
“How short-sighted of him,” Prudence said with firmness. “Anyone who can create beauty like this should be encouraged.”
“I thank you most sincerely. Would you, that is, if it would not be too presumptuous, might I sketch you both?” he asked, his words tumbling over each other. “Here, with the Rock as a backdrop? The light is particularly fine.”
