Chapter Three
The trip from the port of Norfolk, Virginia to Plymouth, England was quite uneventful.
Elizabeth was fascinated by the ship, the sailors, the sails, and everything else.
Mamie tutored both her and John on how to speak, how to behave, and what to expect in England.
Manners and customs were much more stringent than what either of them had ever experienced in America.
John’s very first assignment was to find them lodgings that they could rest in for several days and recover their land legs.
He would retain his role as Elizabeth’s brother, and Mamie would be her aunt for the time being.
It had been decided, before they ever left Virginia, that those were the roles they would play until they met any family.
Ethan had agreed to the subterfuge, feeling his sister would be safer being seen as traveling with family.
All three were given a good amount of cash to take with them, and John had a rather large bank draft to open an account at the Bank of England for them all.
It would take several weeks for that money to become available, but they had plenty to get started.
John found them a decent place to stay called The Green Inn, which was right next door to a small park with walking paths.
Plymouth was a very busy port, with a population more than triple the size of Norfolk.
Both Elizabeth and John had been to New York City, but they were still stunned by the hustle and bustle of this port city.
“Just wait until we get to London! There are more than a million people there now, I have read. Can you even imagine?” Mamie said with some enthusiasm.
Both young people just shook their heads. Elizabeth was sure John would acclimate to so many people quicker than she would. With his memory, he’d never have to worry about getting lost on the busy streets.
They spent above a week in Plymouth. Elizabeth did not usually suffer from nerves, but she had to admit that is what she was feeling.
She had been raised on an estate far from anywhere.
It was a full day’s journey to a town of any size, and they only made a trip to a large city once or twice a year.
Her brother traveled a great deal. He went to secondary school in Richmond, and college at Harvard.
Elizabeth had been taught at home by her mother and Mrs. Russell.
She did not feel up to this expedition. She was a country cousin.
Mamie had done her best, but would she be able to fit in?
Would she be able to contain her impertinence?
Would her courage eventually rise? Elizabeth made sure none of her fears crossed over onto the letter she sent her brother.
She made herself sound enthusiastic and ready for a great adventure.
Ethan had enough to trouble him. He did not need her insecurities to add to his burden.
He was such a good brother. She would make him proud… somehow.
~~~~~
John found a comfortable carriage to rent with a driver.
A deal was struck, their trunks loaded, and off they went to London.
There was a Bank of England in Plymouth, but he decided to wait until they reached London to open their accounts.
Between the three of them, they had more than enough to live on for several months, even with all the added expense of new wardrobes and transport.
He’d been told, by many a person while in Plymouth and shipboard, that London was a very expensive place, but he was confident.
“Don’t concern yourself ‘little sister’, I went to the lending library while you were dithering at the inn and memorized everything I could of London and Hertfordshire and Derbyshire.
I was even able to find some maps. So, if something happens to the coachman, I’m confident I could get us where we are going.
Did you send a note ahead to Mr. Darcy and your Uncle Bennet? ”
“I did. Father gave me the addresses to Pemberley, Longbourn, and Darcy House in London. I sent letters to all three. Since it is only mid-April, I’m guessing Mr. Darcy might be in London.
After we attire ourselves properly, that will be our first stop, Darcy House.
If no one is in residence, we will travel on to Hertfordshire. ”
It was a three-day journey to London from Plymouth.
John had chosen his coachman well. They stayed at very fine lodgings along the way and stopped at friendly country inns with good food while changing horses.
Much of the countryside was lovely and picturesque.
Elizabeth was enchanted until they entered the city of London.
The crowds became overwhelming. The buildings were too tall.
The noise was shocking. By the time they reached their hotel near Mayfair, she was vibrating with anxiety.
Mamie held her hand and patted it. “It will be alright. You will get used to it in no time. Here, let me put your veil over your face. No one will question a young lady in deep mourning, nor pay you much attention. Remember, it is impolite to stare. People will look away, and you can pretend you are in your very own world.”
Elizabeth just nodded her head and carefully exited the carriage.
Mamie was right. No one looked at her but for a second.
John reserved a large suite of rooms, and they climbed the stairs without any problems at all.
A meal was ordered to be delivered, and they all went to their separate rooms to relieve themselves and wash the road dust off.
Within the hour a maid and several footmen brought them food and arranged it on the table for them.
John excused them and said he’d ring when they needed things cleared away.
“Are you quite well Elizabeth? You looked near to fainting when we arrived.”
“Well enough, John. I was just overwhelmed with the masses of humanity. As much reading as I’ve done, it didn’t dawn on me there were so many people in the world! Silly, I know. Now that the shock is over, I believe I will be fine.”
“I hope so Kitten. I will be taking you and John to a very busy shopping area tomorrow. If you are up to it. It is referred to as ‘Cheapside’. There are many warehouses there, and tailors and modistes who are very good, but have not made it to Bond Street yet. If you do not mind too much, I will have tea downstairs this afternoon and ask where the best places can be found. I am many years out of date.”
“I don’t mind. I think I’ll just rest and maybe read this afternoon. Maybe look out the windows at the teaming masses of humanity. I’ll be ready to go out tomorrow. I promise.”
~~~~~
Mamie Russell was a bit nervous herself.
It had been many years since she was in London.
Everything seemed bigger and busier. The tea shop on the ground floor was bustling.
There were maids in starched uniforms buzzing about with trays of drinks and confections.
She and John found a small table near the back to sit and watch all the people.
When the waitress brought their tea tray, Mamie told her they were new in town and wondered where the best shopping was to be found.
Of course, she mentioned Bond Street first, but when asked where the best warehouses were located, she gave them several names near Cheapside.
There was a young lady and a slightly older one sitting at the next table, “I am sorry to be so bold, but I heard you asking of the best warehouses. Gardiner’s is one of the best. He supplies most of the modistes and tailors on Bond Street.”
“Oh really? That sounds like just what we are looking for. My niece and nephew are just entering half mourning and need new clothing. We have been in America these past years and have nothing to wear!” Mamie laughed softly. “My name is Mamie Russell, and yours?”
“Well, I will admit without embarrassment that I am Madeline Gardiner, and this is my niece Miss Jane Bennet.”
Mamie looked closely at the young lady. It could not be, could it? Could the world be so very small? It was likely best to be circumspect. Elizabeth would meet the families on her own terms.
Jane Bennet did not lack in intelligence, but she was so distracted looking at the very large young man, she did not hear much of what was being said. He looked at her briefly, smiled shyly, and looked down at his hands. Could he look like that and be shy too? Maybe they were kindred spirits.
“Come Jane, I see our carriage pulling up to the curb. It was very nice to meet you Mrs. Russell. I am sure my modiste will make time for you or be able to recommend someone right away. There are many young seamstresses trying to make a name for themselves during the season. Someone at the warehouse will have recommendations for a tailor who works expeditiously.”
They got up and quickly left. Mamie and John looked at each other in some bewilderment. “Could that have been Jane Bennet of the Longbourn Bennets? I think I recall a letter in which the cousins spoke of having relatives in London. Now I wish you had read all of those letters. You would remember.”
“I tried not to stare, but there seemed to be a bit of similarity in looks. The hair color is entirely different, but something about the nose and mouth. I am surprised you didn’t ask.”
“Meeting family before Elizabeth gets her feet under her would just cause problems. I have never seen her so disturbed. She is usually so confident. Almost reckless. I am not unhappy she is being a bit quiet, but I hope she returns more to herself before meeting the Darcys.”
“She may have been knocked for a loop, but she’ll be fine. I know it. Shall we return and see how she is?”
John escorted Mamie to the stairs and decided to speak to the concierge for more ideas on their shopping trip on the morrow. A coaching service was recommended that would take them around all day without having to rely upon hackney cabs. It would meet them in the front at 10:00 the next morning.