Chapter 28
Elizabeth blinked hard, focusing her vision and reading the article from the start once more.
She must have seen wrong, perhaps she misunderstood, maybe the article was a terrible joke, or the Fitzwilliam Darcy written about was not her Fitzwilliam Darcy.
She looked up at Robbie, his dark beard contrasting with his ashen skin.
“I am so very sorry,” he said under his breath, his gaze holding her in their tender warmth, lending her his sympathy and strength.
For a fleeting moment, a treacherous thought flitted through her mind. I am free.
“Lizzy? What is it?” asked her mother, accompanied by the concerned voices of her sisters.
They squashed Elizabeth’s blossoming hope with the reminder of how much they depended on her.
She blinked again, trying not to feel disappointed, chastising herself for finding happiness in the passing of another. What a selfish creature she was.
“We are ruined,” whimpered Papa.
Not if she could help it! Hearing her father’s defeated voice lit a fire in Elizabeth’s veins. Taking a deep breath, she held up the paper and read aloud.
We regret to inform our Readers of the Loss of the packet ship brITANNIA, which foundered upon the notorious Goodwin Sands during the severe Gale which assailed the Kent Coast on the Night of October the 31st. The brITANNIA, a vessel of 380 Tons in the regular Service between Calais and Dover, was approaching the Straits in Darkness and heavy Seas when she struck the Sands with terrible Force.
According to Intelligence received at Lloyd's Coffee-House, the Ship broke apart within the Hour, her Distress Signals observed from Deal but rendering Assistance impossible owing to the Violence of the Storm.
Of the Crew and Passengers numbering Two-and-Twenty Souls, only Five are known to have survived the Disaster.
The Survivors, rescued at Dawn by the Deal Boatmen when the Weather moderated, report that the Ship struck the Sandbank without Warning, affording little Opportunity for those aboard to secure their Safety.
Among the Passengers reported lost is Mr. FITZWILLIAM DARCY, Esquire, of Pemberley in Derbyshire, a Gentleman of considerable Fortune and ancient Family.
Mr. Darcy's name appears upon the Ship's Manifest, and his Presence aboard has been confirmed by the Testimony of a Survivor.
A Signet Ring bearing the Darcy Family Arms was recovered among Effects cast upon the Shore near Deal.
The Loss of so promising a Gentleman at but Thirty Years of Age must occasion the deepest Sorrow among his wide Circle of Acquaintance.
Mr. Darcy was the sole surviving Son of the late George Darcy, Esquire, of Pemberley, and his Death leaves that ancient Estate without an Heir of the Body.
He was well-regarded in the first Circles of Society, and his untimely Loss will be universally lamented.
The Goodwin Sands, lying as they do close to the major Shipping Lanes through the Straits of Dover, have long been the Scene of maritime Disasters, and this latest Tragedy serves as grim Reminder of the Perils faced by those who venture upon the Sea.
Several other Persons of Quality were among the Passengers lost, whose Names will be published as Intelligence is received from their Families.
NOTICES
Any Person having Knowledge of the Whereabouts of Mr. FITZWILLIAM DARCY of Pemberley, Derbyshire, or Information concerning the Loss of the Ship brITANNIA upon the Goodwin Sands on October the 31st is requested to communicate immediately with Messrs.
WRAYBURN such a look would inspire so much confidence in the men under his command. Robbie was similar in that regard. So steady, calm, and confident.
As though to prove her point, Robbie stood and saw their callers out. He took the last of the composure remaining in the drawing room with him.