When Pauline began complaining of feeling ill, Elizabeth offered to entertain Penelope while Mrs. Rawlings looked after Pauline.

Little Penelope boldly handed Elizabeth a book she had brought along with her and eagerly climbed up onto her lap, squirming to get comfortable. Elizabeth obliged this little girl who was very close in age to her aunt and uncle Gardiner’s daughter, Amanda. When Elizabeth made extended stays with the Gardiners in London, she enjoyed entertaining her little cousins and, sensing that Mrs. Rawlings had her hands full with Pauline, was grateful that little Penelope was warming up to her very nicely.

Fortunately, Elizabeth knew the story well, for the light coming down the open hatch was dim. She told the story to Penelope with much animation, securing the young girl’s affections and approval. Upon finishing, Elizabeth inquired of Mrs. Rawlings whether she would consent to both of them going up on deck to get some fresh air. Mrs. Rawlings heartily agreed, which allowed her to concentrate fully on trying to help her other daughter feel more comfortable.

Elizabeth held on to the little girl’s hand tightly as they ascended the three flights of stairs and came up to the top deck of the ship. Elizabeth savoured the fresh air as she took in a deep breath, taking delight in the sights about her. There was a gentle wind propelling them forward, and to Elizabeth’s novice eyes, it appeared as though every sail was unfurled. The sailors seemed to have an excellent knowledge of what was required of them, and she watched in delight as they climbed up and down the rigging. It reminded her of the acrobats at the circus she had seen once in town, who climbed the ropes with ease and with seemingly no sense of fear that they might fall.

Penelope, confined so long in steerage, was anxious to get out and run. Elizabeth was afraid to let go of the young child’s hand, so she walked briskly while Penelope ran alongside of her, occasionally breaking into a trot herself. She enjoyed being up on deck again and relished the opportunity to expend some of her own energy and pent-up emotions she had been feeling since leaving the coast of England.

Elizabeth knew the only way she would be able to enjoy herself for the duration of the month on this ship was if she could be up on the deck and walk. It was something she enjoyed immensely at home, and hoped the weather would oblige them and be favourable enough for a brisk walk frequently upon the deck.

Suddenly Penelope squealed and called out, “Daddy!”

Elizabeth looked up and saw a young man rush over to Penelope, sweeping her up in his arms. “Hey, there is my little girl!” He swung her around. “Where are Pauline and Mother?” He glanced questioningly at Elizabeth.

Penelope answered. “Polly is not feeling well, and Mother is taking care of her. Miss Bennet is taking me for a walk on the boat.”

“Excuse me, sir, but I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Your wife is tending Pauline who is feeling a bit unsettled, so I offered to bring Penelope up to allow her to get some fresh air and exercise.”

“That is very kind of you, Miss Bennet. I am Jack Rawlings.”

“It is a pleasure, Mr. Rawlings.”

Penelope held on to her father’s hand and twirled around him as they talked. Elizabeth laughed at the playfulness and endless energy of this young girl.

Her father looked down at her as she continued to dance around him. “Penny, remember what we told you. You must engage in calm and quiet activities while on the ship.”

“I am afraid, sir, that, if she is anything like me, she will need to engage in some brisk activity occasionally to make up for the confinement down below.”

“She is a lively young girl.”

“I have noticed.”

He proceeded to ask Elizabeth about how his wife and daughter were faring. She was drawn to his easy manner and evident care and concern for his family.

***

Darcy wandered into the eating area, a large room filled with tables and benches, where the meals would be served and people could congregate and visit. He walked in hoping to find something light to eat or drink and discovered, much to his consternation, that it was filled with noisy travellers who, for the most part, and upon his initial assessment, appeared unpolished and hailed from exceedingly low connections. Most were engaged in conversation, either with friends or family with whom they were travelling or with new acquaintances they had made since coming aboard.

He looked around for some obscure place to sit down where he could be by himself, but none was to be found. People were spread out everywhere and it was irritatingly loud. He scanned the crowd, and not observing anyone whose manners or company looked inviting, at once began to feel uncomfortable. He was able to secure some tea for himself and walked toward the outer wall, one which was dotted with small windows looking out to the deck.

He gazed out the small window as he drank the tea, leaning against the wall with one shoulder, tilting his head as he looked out at the people walking by on the deck. Over the years he had become proficient at putting on this façade of aloofness which, as a rule, allowed him the privacy and solitude that afforded him personal comfort. He suddenly realized he was watching the movements of the lady he had encountered earlier, walking by with a child.

His eyes narrowed as he witnessed this, straining his neck to watch them proceed toward the front of the ship. She was holding on to the young girl’s hand, walking along with her and occasionally allowing herself to slip into a skip or a run. He found himself unexpectedly drawn to her vivacious and unreserved nature. She seemed not at all concerned what others might think of her actions.

With his mind engaged on the scene playing out before him, he gradually became aware of someone standing next to him, disturbing his preoccupation and speculations.

He turned to see a woman standing by his side. She was definitely striking, more so in a fashionable than handsome way. She had been gazing off across the room, but when he turned his eyes upon her, she met his gaze and knowingly mistook it as a sign of the gentleman’s interest.

“Good afternoon, sir.” He was taken aback by her forwardness. “What a relief it is to finally find someone onboard this ship who obviously frequents the same circles in society as I! I can certainly guess your thoughts at the moment. You are thinking how insupportable it will be to spend a month in such tedious company as found on this ship.”

Darcy’s jaw tightened as he pondered his response. “Your assessment is more correct than you would imagine.”

She smiled, pleased with his apparent agreement. “My name is Eleanor Brewster.” She held out her hand, extended with her palm down, in hopes that he might take it and bestow a kiss upon the top of her hand.

She was more than disappointed when he merely answered, “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy,” and gave a quick, short bow.

Despite her disappointment, she asked, “Are you travelling with family?” She looked around him and quickly added, “Are your wife and children with you?” She put on a smile that was intended to evoke a response.

Darcy eyed her suspiciously and felt the all too familiar sense of discomfiture come over him as she continued her ploy of persuasion. The very fact that she claimed to frequent the same circles of society as himself, yet was completely disregarding the dictates of that society by approaching him and beginning a conversation with him, appalled him. She obviously thought herself above the good manners of polite society, having the unrivalled audacity to approach him so boldly.

Every movement of hers was meant to entice and ensnare, but Darcy was more annoyed than allured. He forced a civil smile upon his face and offered a simple, “I am travelling alone.”

This pleased her greatly. Desiring nothing more than to continue the conversation, she asked, “May I inquire, sir, as to why you are heading to the colonies?”

Darcy, lacking all desire to continue this conversation or encourage this woman, replied with a paramount lack of enthusiasm, “Strictly to retrieve my sister and then return to England as soon as possible.”

“Oh, sir, what a kind brother you must be! To have such concern for your sister, to give up at least two months of your life to travel to and fro…” Her hand went up to her neck and she fingered a rather large brooch that hung there as she calculated her next comment. “But perhaps, Mr. Darcy, while you are there, you might find the need for a companion to show you around. I would be…”

“I think not,” Darcy interrupted.

His response was not the one she wished for. Darcy felt a surge of agitation infuse throughout his body and he impatiently excused himself, bowed, and turned away. He quickly finished the tea and set his cup down, anxious to put as much distance as he could between this woman and himself.

As he quickly headed for the door, an older man and his wife entered, followed by a young lady in her late teens. The older man greeted him and immediately introduced himself.

“Good day, sir. My name is Gerald Summers.” He extended his hand and Darcy reluctantly, but civilly, extended his.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy,” was his only response.

Summers jovially expressed his pleasure at making the acquaintance. “And may I introduce my wife, Henrietta Summers, and my lovely daughter, Miss Angela Summers.”

Darcy bowed to both, sensing that the father and mother were eyeing him and going through a checklist of sorts of eligible suitors for their young daughter. He sensed uneasiness rather than eagerness, however, in the young girl’s demeanour.