“Even the mundane business of rents and crops and tenant concerns?”
“Especially those things. How could I claim to be mistress of Pemberley if I knew nothing of the people who depend upon it for their livelihoods?”
“I had not dared to hope for such a wife,” he said in a whisper. “Most women of our class consider estate business beneath their notice.”
She raised an eyebrow in response. “Am I ‘most women’ of your class?”
“No. You are entirely yourself, and that is what makes the possibility of a future together so compelling.”
They remained in comfortable silence for several minutes, each lost in contemplation of what had been discussed. Elizabeth realized she desperately wanted the vision they were constructing together.
Touching her cheek, Darcy said, “Loving you has changed me in ways I could never have anticipated. You have shown me possibilities for happiness I did not know existed. I want to understand your concerns and intend to share mine with you.”
His sincerity touched her deeply. “I cannot help but think we are walking in dangerous territory, sir.”
“Then I will ask you what frightens you most about reaching Alexandria?”
The change of subject allowed them both to step back emotionally from their charged exchange.
“The unknown,” she admitted. “We have been blessed in each port with someone who has extended friendship, guiding us through dangers we likely were unaware of as we strolled through each location. Will we find the same in Alexandria? This we cannot know.”
Darcy said, “This entire quest has been built on assumptions and educated guesses. If I have led you into danger for the sake of scholarly curiosity and ancient manuscripts…”
“You have not led me anywhere,” Elizabeth interrupted firmly. “We have all chosen to be here, fully knowing that there would be risks.”
“But the responsibility…”
“Is shared among all of us,” Elizabeth said.
He sighed. “I fear it shall take time and considerable effort not to follow my overprotective inclinations, my dear.” He kissed her palm as the crew on watch moved around behind them.
The stars began to appear in the sky above. According to Captain Morrison, they were about three days from Alexandria, if the wind permitted. For the present, Elizabeth was happy to stand beside the man she was beginning to love.
33
As expected, on the twenty-fifth of May, theMary Catherinedropped anchor in Alexandria’s ancient harbor as the last light faded from the western sky. Darcy stood at the bow, studying the shadowy outline of the city. A feeling of anticipation battled with unease.
“We shall wait until full daylight,” Captain Morrison announced to the small group gathered on deck. “Alexandria’s harbor holds dangers for the unwary. Soon enough, we will be able to moor directly at one of the more substantial wharves, which will spare us the inconvenience of taking smaller boats to shore.”
Darcy nodded, though part of him chafed at the delay. They were so close to the culmination of their quest, and every hour felt precious. Nevertheless, there was no sense in abandoning prudence when they were within sight of their goal.
When Richard joined him, they discussed protective measures. Alexandria was far more dangerous than anyplace they had visited so far. Unlike all their previous ports, there was no British military presence in Egypt. Consequently, they needed to plan their own protection.
“Wickham will be here,” Richard said. “We have to assume that he is armed and has compatriots who share his low moral standards. Besides trusting no one, I recommend that we carry weapons at all times.”
Darcy considered the dangers. “Perhaps the best course is to allow Bennet to focus on following the clue while we remain vigilant. The ladies have been adept at identifying artists who have also guided us in their homelands. Here, if possible, we should vet any guides to assess their honesty. I am willing to hire extra men to protect Elizabeth and Mrs. Bell.
His cousin nodded. “Although our military has been gone these past five years, there still should be representatives available from the Levant Company. They should know someone trustworthy.” He scanned the roofline. “With Wickham’s blond hair and blue eyes, he will stand out from the populace. He should be easy to spot.”
“As will we.”
“Not you or your lady love. With your dark coloring, you could dress the part, and no one would believe you were not a desert sheik and his bride.”
His bride.Darcy grinned.
Within an hour of the clear,warm dawn, theMary Catherinewas tied up at the pier. Not long after, the group made their way down the gangway onto Alexandria’s soil. Darcy felt the familiar unsteadiness of transitioning fromsea to land, his legs requiring a few moments to remember how to navigate solid ground.
Elizabeth’s sharp intake of breath made him instantly alert. She gripped his arm with surprising strength. “There, near the customs house. Is that not…?”
