Expectations: The Transformation of Miss Anne de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice Continued), Volume 1
Page 17
Chapter Fourteen
Anne fell in love with Naples at the moment she saw the city, with the gentle curve of the bay, the rich, impossible blue of the ocean, the gleaming stone and stucco buildings, and the green mountains sloping down to the sea. The only word she could use was “magical.” Surrounded by the soft, warm air as the party approached the city, she felt stronger simply looking at the vista. If only she had learned to draw, she would send sketches to her mother as reassurances that all their efforts had been for the best.
Before they traveled to their hired villa, the group stopped at the headquarters of the English ambassador. The staff had been alerted to their coming by a letter sent on a swift diplomatic packet ship from home. Also awaiting Anne were two letters from her mother, which she would read as soon as she had a moment of privacy. The assistant ambassador, who had received letters about Miss de Bourgh from both Lady Catherine and her brother the earl, greeted her with great energy at the chance to make her welcome and impress upon her his own invaluable courtesy. He sang the praises of the villa that she would call home for the winter and spring, and he made sure to tell her twice that he had inspected it personally and found it to be most suitable for someone of her rank.
Indeed, when the caravan pulled up in front of the villa high on a hill above the city proper, it proved to be even more than Anne had dreamed. While far less grand than Rosings, it was happily situated on the ocean side of a main road that wound its way up from town. A sweeping view of the city, bay, and Mount Vesuvius in the distance would be visible from the veranda and every room at the back of the house. Fruit trees on both sides of the fine mansion were waiting to bud, and grapevines indicated a well-stocked wine cellar would be at their service.
The villa’s servants had lined up at the door to greet their masters for the next five months. As Anne descended from the coach, she suddenly felt overwhelmed with exhaustion. All these servants to oversee—she had never supervised anyone more than her own maids. Here she could not rely on her mother to settle things. It was up to her. How many of those well-scrubbed and smiling servants even spoke English? She would look like a fool from the first moment. What embarrassment would follow?
Dr. Minton appeared at her side and spoke in French with the housekeeper. She understood enough to give Anne a sunny smile and a deep curtsey, along with what sounded like a welcome. Not knowing what else to do, Anne offered a small smile in return and nodded. The housekeeper spoke to Dr. Minton, and then indicated one of the male servants. He stepped forward and conversed with the doctor in excellent French. Dr. Minton explained to Anne and Harriet that no one on the staff spoke English yet, but they would do their best to learn key phrases for their guests. In the meantime, they could rely on Giuseppe, the housekeeper’s assistant, to relay messages and instructions.
Anne hoped her relief had not been too apparent. Bless Dr. Minton, he would take care of everything.