Chapter 7 #2
“She’s a lovely lady. A captain’s widow. She knows the sea, that’s for sure.” He grinned. “Think of it this way, miss. Once we reach the Atlantic, it’s straight sailin’ south to Gibraltar. The Mediterranean’s waitin’, and all those sights ye’ll see.”
As the boy hurried away to obtain the ginger comfits, Elizabeth returned to her porthole. Sipping her tea, she glanced at her father, still sleeping fitfully, and whispered, “We are doing it, Papa.”
His only response was a groan.
She wished she could relieve his misery. To distract herself, she opened the letter from Aunt Gardiner.
My dearest Lizzy,
How I envy you this extraordinary experience. And now, you are on your way.
We suspect that the greatest treasures you will discover are not ancient artifacts but the bonds of friendship that transcend language and nationality. Do not be surprised if strangers invite you to share their table or their stories.
Some customs may puzzle you. Others may challenge your preconceptions.
Many will warm your heart with their simple humanity.
Observe how different cultures blend and adapt.
It will broaden your understanding of how people can maintain their traditions while embracing necessary change.
In all the places you go, remember that you represent not only our family but England itself.
Your uncle and cousins join me in sending our love. We are confident that you will conduct yourself with the grace that has always marked your character. Enjoy your journey. We hope that it will be everything you anticipate.
Your devoted aunt,
Mrs. Madeline Gardiner
If Elizabeth could be half the woman her aunt was, she would be pleased. She would cherish this letter, reading it repeatedly until they arrived in Rome.
Setting the missive aside, she opened the second letter. It was from Jane.
Dear Lizzy,
I hope that you are enjoying the early stages of your grand escapade. If I have timed this properly, you should have this prior to your departure.
Life at Netherfield continues peacefully. Charles is the best husband imaginable. Lizzy, he is the kindest, sweetest man.
I must share news of our sisters, as I know you will be eager to know of their progress. Miss Peabody insists all students write a proper letter to their family or guardians each week. Our first letters from Lydia, Kitty, and Mary arrived four days after your departure from Meryton.
Lydia’s letter overflowed with dramatic pleas for rescue from what she termed her ‘torment’ at the academy.
She could not comprehend why she must learn grace, studiousness, or proper deportment when, as she reminded them, her future as an officer’s wife required only knowledge of the waltz and how to look charming on the arm of a man in regimentals.
The letter would have been amusing had it not been so earnest in its desperation.
Kitty and Mary present an entirely different picture.
Kitty expressed excitement about her studies of literature and languages.
Mary has found a kindred spirit among the more scholarly girls and writes enthusiastically that she expects to learn a great deal.
Both seem to be on the verge of discovering aspects of themselves that were overshadowed by Lydia’s more forceful personality.
I pray that, with time and patience, even our youngest sister may come to appreciate the opportunities presented to her, though I confess to being less optimistic on this point than Papa suggested we should be.
Mother spent the first two days floundering at Longbourn with no daughters to promote or matrimonial schemes to pursue.
On the third day, she threw herself into mastering her pony cart with remarkable determination.
After two days, her daily drives to see us at Netherfield no longer satisfied an adventurous spirit that I did not know she possessed.
(Imagine having the freedom of a pony cart and few responsibilities, and you will understand how Mama feels.) I leave you, dear Lizzy, to picture our Mama speeding down our country lanes with the brim of her bonnet bent back and a smile on her lips.
Although these changes in our family are wonderful, I beg that you remain the lovely sister who brings everyone such joy.
With all my love and hopes for your continued safety,
Your devoted sister,
Jane
Elizabeth laughed. She looked forward to seeing the changes her family members were undergoing in their new circumstances. The newfound confidence of Mary, Kitty, and their mother made the decision to join the expedition seem even wiser.
She sighed as she unfolded the note from her youngest sister. It was obvious to everyone except Lydia that she was in dire need of instruction. Much more so than Mary or Kitty. The letter’s contents proved to be exactly as Elizabeth expected.
Lizzy,
Help me escape this prison! Miss Peabody hates me! And I hate her!
Save me immediately!
Your suffering sister,
Lydia
Elizabeth folded and stored each letter. She loved her sisters and mother dearly but was without the power to help or protect them, even from themselves. They were now on their own, as she was.