by Kate Speck
~*~
“I know very little, Miss, other than that whoever purchased this diary before brought it back here and told me that it brought them luck. I bind it with new parchment in exchange for the old journal with a new cover and it sits on my shelves until it is purchased again.” The proprietor of the bookstore explained. “I was told nothing else but my father, who owned this store before me, told me that he had done the same, five or six times during his lifetime and I suspect I will see your new book return here again.”
Elizabeth scratched her head, “I do not understand how this book will bring me luck but it is a most unusual tale and I must admit that I am most eager to learn of its history.” Recalling the diary’s warning about not revealing its secrets to anyone else, she thanked the owner and went back to the shoreline to join her family.
~*~
“Of all the colours in the world, why blue?!” Elizabeth huffed, as she looked at the multitude of people around her while at the harbour to watch the ships come in and go out with her young cousins. She looked at Jane, who was wearing a blue pelisse herself and sighed loudly.
Jane laughed, “Do you not like me in blue? You helped me choose this colour yourself, Lizzy. It is a generally preferred colour of many, although I know yours is green.”
Elizabeth let out a small smile, “And you look very pretty in it, Jane. Green is my favourite and why I have such difficulty letting go of my old pelisse, even if it is well-worn and mama always frets that I should spend more time at the dressmaker’s. I detest shopping and would rather spend my time reading and being out of doors in my simple dresses.” She sighed again, “I am only looking for someone and know not how to find her. It is getting warm in the sun, Janey. Shall we see if our cousins are ready for refreshments?” She took out her handkerchief to wipe her forehead. “I have quite given up my search for now and am in need to partake a good meal... Oh, no!” She exclaimed after her handkerchief flew away by a gust of wind. She ran after it and stopped short after seeing a dainty hand pick up her piece of cloth several feet away from her.
“Oh, thank you! This is my favouri...” Elizabeth stood up frozen when she saw the young lady’s face. Her handkerchief had been picked up by a girl of about fifteen or sixteen years in age, who had blonde hair and was wearing a blue pelisse, and standing next to her was an older woman who was dressed simply but above a servant. Behind her was a very handsome man of about thirty years in age with a broad smile and a hint of mischief in his eyes. While Elizabeth was gathering all of these information in her head, Jane stepped next to her and spoke to the youngest stranger.
“Thank you for catching my sister’s handkerchief, Miss. There was a strong breeze and it might have flown for miles if you had not been so quick.” She smiled at the girl, “My sister is Miss Elizabeth and she was just speaking of blue pelisses and I see that you and I are well-matched. I am Miss Bennet. Please allow us to introduce ourselves.” Jane looked behind to see her relatives approach, “These children behind us are our cousins and their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.”
The younger lady softly replied, “It was no trouble, Miss Bennet. I am Miss Darcy and this is my companion, Mrs. Younge. The gentleman behind me is Mr. Wickham, a dear friend of the family who lately arrived here and we have been reacquainting ourselves this past week. It was most fortunate that I saw the handkerchief fly and captured it before it went too far, but I am certain Mr. Wickham would have been gallant to chase after it for you.” She looked up at the handsome man with adoration.
Mr. Wickham reached for Miss Darcy’s hand and kissed it. “But of course, my dear Miss Darcy. How do you do, ladies? It has been a most delightful surprise to find Miss Darcy here last week and must confess that her kindness to help a stranger in need does not surprise me in the least. I have the greatest desire to make a significant change in my future with the most generous lady of my acquaintance.” Elizabeth immediately noted that while the younger lady seemed pleased with the attention, her companion appeared irritated and could have sworn Mr. Wickham had leered at Jane’s figure during introductions, even if only for half of a second.
Springing into action to rescue this young lady as her diary had instructed, Elizabeth finally spoke, “We are to go to the nearby inn for luncheon and refreshments, Miss Darcy. I know that we have only just met, but I hope you will allow me to show you my gratitude and ask you to join us.” She saw the girl smiling at the children and knew she liked the little ones. “Eddie and Julia are always happy to make new friends and my other cousin there,” she pointed at the baby being held by the nurse, “is named Beth and she will certainly bring a smile to your day.” She turned and commanded to her cousins who were six and four years old, “Make your greetings to Miss Darcy, children. She is very pretty, is she not?”
The children nodded with smiles and Miss Darcy knelt down to make their acquaintance. “You are both so well-mannered and it is a pleasure.” She stood up, “I would like to join you, Miss Elizabeth. Geor... Mr. Wickham, Mrs. Younge, we were in need of rest in any case and it is good timing. Let us go.”
~*~
Jane, in her graciousness, walked alongside Miss Darcy with the children between them and Elizabeth took a chance in speaking with the companion. “Mrs. Younge, have you been with Miss Darcy for long? You seemed... uncomfortable with Mr. Wickham’s presence just now. She seems a kind soul and I wish to help her.”
Mrs. Younge twisted her handkerchief and frowned, glancing at Mr. Wickham who was conversing energetically with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. “I have been in her service for only a month, Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Wickham... he showed up... he is... I knew him from years ago and told him that I was to come to Ramsgate with Miss Darcy when we crossed paths last month in London but I did not know... He wants to... He is attempting to court Miss Darcy and to convince her to marry him. She is already very fond of him but I...” She quickly shut her mouth and spoke no more when Mr. Wickham ceased his dialogue with the couple.
Elizabeth nodded her understanding at the nervous woman and sped up her steps to walk next to Miss Darcy. “It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy. We are from Hertfordshire and my uncle and his family live on Gracechurch Street in London. My father is a landowner who loves to read and my mother is known to set the best table by our neighbours. Do you have any siblings? You are dressed as not yet out but you have a companion and a gentleman friend with you in Ramsgate. Where are your parents?” She spat out as many questions as possible so that she could understand what was happening with this shy girl. She could not understand how the young lady could be isolated from family and friends, with only a companion and a suspicious man in this small town.
Miss Darcy lowered her eyes timidly, “I am nearly sixteen and not out yet, but several ladies of my age have said that this was how they took holidays during the summers and it had been one of my dreams to see the seaside. I lost my mother shortly after my birth and my father passed away five years ago, but I have an older brother who dotes on me and has allowed me to travel here. He had business in town and could not join me but I am still hoping he will visit sometime later when he finds time. I have been here for two weeks now but have yet to meet many people near my age so it has been a pleasant surprise to meet you both today.” She looked at the shorter woman who appeared cheerful and full of curiosity. “I am from Derbyshire but I spend majority of my time in London. I hope we will continue to see each other during the next fortnight that I will be here, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth immediately adored the innocent orphan girl and wrapped her arm around hers, “We only arrived two days ago and will be here for three weeks yet so I am certain we will have many chances to see each other, Miss Darcy. I have three younger sisters and the youngest one just turned fifteen. She is the loudest girl I have ever met, but then again, she is my sister so I suppose I know her better than anyone else. But you, young lady, are not only kind but charming and it would be an absolute delight to get to know you. I am Lizzy to m
y friends, Miss Darcy. I hope you will call me by name.” She pointed to her sister, “She is Jane. You may call her by her name also, since I know Jane to be the most kind-hearted person in the world.” She grinned at her dearest sister.
Jane laughed, “Yes, I would be happy if you called me by name, Miss Darcy. I would have offered first but Lizzy enjoys speaking for others, but I could not have asked for a better sister. She is the most loyal person I know in the world.”
“Please call me by my first name, Jane, Lizzy. It is Georgiana and quite long, though...” Miss Darcy blushed.
“Does no one call you by a shortened name?” Elizabeth asked. “What does your brother call you?”
Miss Darcy smiled, “Georgiana or Sister.”
“And what is your brother’s name? How do you address him?” Elizabeth asked with a smile. “You must have a nickname for him. I sometimes call my sister ‘Janey’ but since it is a short name already, I never thought to call her anything else.”
“My brother’s name is also long and it is Fitzwilliam but I usually call him Brother,” Miss Darcy laughed. “I could not say his name until I was at least eight years old, I believe!”
The girls giggled merrily as they entered the inn for refreshments. They spoke of some of the sights that they had seen already and made plans to meet the next morning to visit the Roman ruins, which were located about an hour’s ride away. Elizabeth did not know how she could deter Mr. Wickham from pursuing Miss Darcy after they separated company and decided to be blunt with the younger girl.
While the others were busy in conversation, Elizabeth made sure that Mr. Wickham could not hear their chat and spoke quietly to Miss Darcy, “Georgie, I am concerned that a man of nearly thirty in age is attempting to get close to a girl of fifteen while you are separated from your brother who is in London. Could you not write to Mr. Darcy to see if he is willing to come earlier to visit you? You have said he is a good brother to you and I am sure he will make it a priority to see you if you only write to him. At least let him be aware that Mr. Wickham has been here and making it known of his plans to court your favour? If Mr. Wickham is truly honourable in his intent, he will wish for your brother’s approval and your brother should know what is happening. I am twenty while Jane is two years older, and we still feel unprepared for marriage, and I hope you never feel rushed to be someone’s wife before you are even out in society. That gentleman,” she looked up and eyed George Wickham discreetly, “certainly did not hide his intention with my relatives and fully believes that he will be successful.” She squeezed Miss Darcy’s hand, “I think of you like a sister already and I would be heartbroken if you were left unprotected.”
Miss Darcy shyly lowered her eyes again, “Fitzwilliam is... my brother is extremely busy but I will send him a letter.” She lifted up her face as Elizabeth squeezed her hand again. “All right, Lizzy,” she smiled softly, “I will write to him today. Today!”
Elizabeth beamed, “Thank you, Georgie, I am relieved to hear it. I only want you to be protected and Mrs. Younge, I am sure, will do what she can, but she seems fearful of the gentleman. I only wish for your safety.” She saw the girl’s eyebrow lift as if she suddenly had a bright idea. “What is it, Georgie? What are you thinking?”
“Could you not... I know you are staying with your relatives, but could you and Jane not stay with me for the next few days? I know we only met today but I am so happy to make new friends...” Her voice trailed bashfully.
Elizabeth turned with a bright smile, “Aunt Madeline, Miss Darcy has invited Jane and me to stay with her at her place of residence. From her descriptions, it sounds as if it is only a quarter mile from our inn. Could we not visit her holiday home and see if it is as grand as she depicts?”
Georgiana Darcy immediately turned to Mrs. Gardiner, “You would all be welcome, actually! I know that my brother will not mind and it is a very large home for just myself and Mrs. Younge. Eddie and Julia will certainly enjoy a larger space if you are agreeable...”
Mrs. Gardiner replied to the amiable young lady, “We could not possibly ask you to host our large family in your home, Miss Darcy, but if you will allow Mr. Gardiner to write to your brother and make our formal introductions, perhaps at a later time, we might take you up on your offer once we get to know each other better. But as far as Jane and Lizzy goes, once your brother approves, they may stay with you at the cottage for a few nights.”
“I am actually acquainted with Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and I remember meeting your father many years ago. He was a good man, your father,” Mr. Gardiner added, “and generous to a fault. I was only a clerk at the time but he approved of my work and put in a good word in order for me to start my own business years later. I have met your brother only once and he might not remember me but I know him to be a respectable gentleman and I look forward to seeing him again.”
Elizabeth noted Mr. Wickham’s face pale with the information and guessed that Miss Darcy would be safe now. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled brightly at the young lady.
“If I may,” Georgiana requested, “I would like to invite you all to dinner tonight and I am certain Cook can put something together. I have been learning of hostess duties from my aunt and Mrs. Younge will also help me. Would you... join us for dinner tonight?” She looked at her companion, who nodded proudly with a smile on her face.
Mrs. Gardiner answered on everyone’s behalf, “We would be delighted to accept, Miss Darcy. Thank you.”
Elizabeth relaxed as she was now reassured that Mr. Wickham would be scared off with her uncle’s acquaintance to Miss Darcy’s brother and that Georgiana would be sending a letter to Mr. Darcy as soon as possible. With the agreement to see each other that evening, Elizabeth returned to her room with peace in her heart and to write in her journal again, hoping that the crisis was averted.
Chapter 3
After returning from her afternoon outing, Elizabeth wrote several more lines to ask Anne about Georgiana Darcy inside her book but her words did not disappear nor did the diary write back. Not knowing if she had been successful but praying that the young lady was rescued, she prepared for the scheduled dinner and went to Percy Cottage, the holiday home that the Darcys had owned for generations.
She was very pleased to see the impressive home, which was nearly the same size as her house in Hertfordshire, and decorated with antique but lavish furnishing throughout. It was located by the seaside with a magnificent view of the harbour without the hustle and bustle of the working class, close enough to walk only fifty yards to touch the water and find peace on the private beach area. Elizabeth wondered if this young lady was from a very wealthy family, having a companion and staying at this grand home for a month with an older brother owning an estate in Derbyshire. She wondered if Mr. Darcy was handsome and perhaps be a good match for Jane, should he be similar to Georgiana, and smiled at her favourite sister as her family walked into the sitting room. She saw Miss Darcy waiting for them nervously and walked over to immediately kiss her cheek. “Your home is very beautiful, Georgie. Thank you again for the invitation.”
Georgiana visibly relaxed and smiled at the company, curtsying to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and to Jane.
“Where is Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth asked, praying to never see that man again.
“Oh, he was unable to join us for dinner, as he remembered an important appointment with an acquaintance.” Georgiana answered. “He said he might have to leave Ramsgate for business soon but was uncertain of his plans.”
Elizabeth discreetly breathed a sigh of relief while Aunt Madeline asked for a tour of the house, and everyone began to walk through the house, starting from the first floor, where Elizabeth gawked at the incredible number of books in the study and noted many first edition publications of her favourites. They continued to proceed upstairs where many bedrooms were located, along with a splendid view of the sea from the master suite’s balcony.
Elizabeth noted Mrs. Younge’s quiet demeanour and spoke privately while
the others continued their tour, “Is all well? I am hoping that a certain gentleman knows to stay away now.”
Mrs. Younge lowered her eyes, “He was very upset that Miss Darcy made several friends today and was going to write to her brother of it, Miss Elizabeth, but I do not know what he will do. He is...” she sighed, “He is desperate for funds and will not give up so easily.” She rubbed her upper arm on the other side of Elizabeth.
“Are you hurt?” Elizabeth gasped, turning to face the woman and suddenly noticing that she was wearing long sleeves during a warm evening. “What did he do to you?”
Mrs. Younge wiped her tears and whispered, seeing that the rest of the party had gone into the next room, “He grabbed my arm and twisted it and left bruises. He struck me and threatened to harm me if I did not help him to convince Miss Darcy to elope with him and plans on taking her to Gretna Green next week. He threatened me that he would hurt me more if I said anything to her. But I did not promise him anything! Miss Darcy is such an innocent and I do not wish for her to be harmed but I know not what to do!” Her tears fell down, “All I had wished to do was to run a small boarding house and live in peace but I took this position after my husband died and I have no money and nowhere to go. If only... If...”
Elizabeth embraced the older woman and rubbed her back. It was horrible to hear of the assault that the companion had to endure and she worried that Mr. Wickham would return to harm Georgiana. “Could I not share what has happened with my uncle and aunt? They will protect you and Miss Darcy and we must ensure Mr. Wickham never returns.” She sympathetically patted the woman’s shoulder, “Can we call for a physician to examine your arm?”
Mrs. Younge smiled a little, “I will be well, Miss Elizabeth. I do not know what it is about you that I can tell you all my troubles. You only met Miss Darcy this morning but knew quickly that she needed help somehow and it has been a relief to have someone else know what is going on. Miss Darcy sent her brother a letter earlier today and I am willing to wait for his reply to see what he wishes to do. He is a good brother and will respond soon, I am certain. I do hope he will allow you and Miss Bennet to stay with us. I know Miss Darcy enjoys your company and it has been wonderful to see her smile more with friends near her age. She is a lovely young lady but has been lonely for a very long time.”