Page 40 of Lizzie’s Spirit

Simeon Lord’s house was a large three-storey structure by the Tank Stream bridge.

Merchant captains regularly slept there both to reside near their cargoes in the warehouses and also to enjoy Lord’s hospitality.

Upon arrival, Darcy and Elizabeth were informed Lord’s wife, Mary, was indisposed, and Elizabeth was requested to act as hostess for the evening.

“It’s a small gathering, Mrs. Darcy, with mainly ships’ captains and some supercargoes. But there are two wives. It was better to invite them rather than have them eat alone, if you pardon my presumption.”

“’Tis no matter, Mr. Lord. But I suspect there’s more afoot. Are they Englishwomen?”

Lord rubbed the back of his neck. “You’ve caught me out, ma’am. Indeed, one is Portuguese from Porto, the other an Indian lady from Bombay.”

Elizabeth led the two women into dinner, with Lord leading Darcy, the highest ranking of his guests.

As Darcy passed Elizabeth, she smiled up at him, rolled her eyes, and waved him away to the foot of the table.

The two foreign ladies sat to either side of her.

One, a rather stout woman, was dressed in European fashion; the other was wearing an embroidered saree of intricate weave.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Elizabeth spoke to the Indian lady, “my Marathi is poor, but do you eat meat in addition to vegetables? ”

The lady placed her hand over her heart; she shook her head slightly. “You speak Marathi? But how—you lived in Bombay?”

“No, ma’am, a friend speaks the language, and I’ve learned from her. It’s so melodic and expressive, I enjoy speaking it very much. But, I must interrupt. The first course is a white soup of chicken and anchovy. Is that to your taste?”

“Ma’am, on board ship I can scarcely avoid eating meat; but only mutton, chicken and fish.” She smiled, and lightly brushed Elizabeth’s sleeve, “I thought to avoid this meal, but your presence gives me much pleasure.”

Elizabeth, now concerned she was ignoring her other guest, turned to her, smiling broadly. “My apologies, senhora, but I was afraid the lady was vegetarian, being from India.”

“Oh, this is an evening of surprises, are you Portuguese—I find no fault in your speech, but a Castilian influence, perchance?”

“Indeed, I’ve only recently learned your language, from visiting Madeira and Rio. But yes, I’m fluent in Castilian. I understand you’re from Porto? My uncle, who does much business there, tells me it’s a delightful town.”

Tears welled in the woman’s eyes—a shaking hand covered her mouth.

“Of course, you haven’t heard. That filth Marshal Soult invaded the town, leading to much destruction, death and misery.

He took all of the food; they raped young girls, shot the mules and stole the cattle.

But in May last, your General Wellesley took back the city. God bless him and the British.”

The woman was much distraught, so Elizabeth determined to turn the conversation. “But senhora, you’re safe and so is Porto. I’ve heard the Cathedral is magnificent!”

From the foot of the table, Darcy and Lord watched Elizabeth converse easily with both of the ladies. Musical laughter accompanied their conversation, all three ladies chuckling as she translated the narrative of one so the other could comprehend.

“I speak English well enough, but my education is sorely lacking,” said Lord.

“I was the fourth of ten children. My only schooling was by my mother, my father was a singular, uncommunicative man. But how does Mrs. Darcy speak thus? She talks to the ladies each in their own tongue—about what I don’t know—but they are at ease, laughing and teasing with her. She’s a remarkable woman, Darcy!”

“Yes, indeed. I’m most fortunate in her choice of husband. Yet here we sit, in dreary discourse, while we’re denied the charm of the ladies’ excellent conversation. That, sir, must be rectified once they retire and we gentlemen join them.”

As if it were a signal, Elizabeth arose.

All at the table stood with her, the ladies following as she exited.

Oh my, fancy leading the ladies out. It seems Lizzie Darcy has much consequence over Lizzie Bennet— but how strange, that name no longer seems to suit.

After the success of the dinner conversation, Elizabeth felt all the advantages of her newfound standing.

When the men returned to the parlour, the room was quiet, the ladies not present.

Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth entered. “Forgive me, Mr. Lord, but the ladies wished to retire to their chambers.

I accompanied them, firstly to check on the comfort of Mrs. Lord—she sleeps well—and then spend some time with Senhora Ruiz.

“I’ve neglected my duties as hostess, let me serve tea and coffee to your guests.”

Darcy watched as Elizabeth, with perfect decorum, poured tea or coffee to the gentlemen, ascertaining their preference for sugar, cream or lemon.

Her smile, which was always engaging, did not reach her eyes.

He noticed her lips were often pursed, though none of the men appeared to detect her discomfort.

About to approach her, he was accosted by one of the ships’ captains.

“Monsieur, you are the judge-advocate, n’est-ce pas?” Darcy winced. The captain’s French, though fluent, was rather harsh—certainly, he was raised where some rural dialect was spoken, and not the standard French Darcy had been taught.

“You are correct, Monsieur, I have that honour. You are captain of which ship?”

“L’ Alliance , American flagged, out of Delaware. We intend to trade with Canton—this is a new route, out of season.”

“You are American, but you speak French?”

“I fled la France during the Terror. Napoleon has restored some order; I may return, but his wars are foolhardy, and will only lead to more misery and death. I dislike tyrants—I much prefer the American republic to the French Napoleon and the British tyrant, George.”

Darcy bristled, “I caution you, Monsieur, you’re in a British colony.

All here swear allegiance to the Crown. And what difference is there between America’s republic and Britain’s Parliamentary monarchy ?

Your president, James Madison, is naught but an elective King, who has more chance of becoming a tyrant under the American constitution than His Majesty, George III, who rules by invitation of the people following The Restoration.

Madison rules only by the pleasure of a select wealthy minority. ”

“But here, in New Holland, surely Governor Macquarie is an Autocrat , who holds supreme power over the persons of the colony? Does he not have the 73rd Regiment to do his bidding?”

Darcy laughed. “Monsieur, you have no understanding of how Britain rules from afar. The 73rd is under the command of Colonel O’Connell, who reports to the Secretary of War; the governor reports separately to the government in London.

Perhaps, if you wish to promote subversion, you are correct in speaking with me.

Macquarie himself cannot withdraw my commission.

I’m a civilian and do not answer to O’Connell.

Here, as judge-advocate, my word is the law. ”

Their discourse continued, the captain remonstrating with Darcy, confident that his American republicanism was superior to all other forms of government. Darcy, tired of the interchange, displayed some rudeness by looking towards Elizabeth. The captain followed his gaze.

“La femme de Monsieur Lord, c'est une beauté, vous ne pensez pas?”

“You are mistaken, she’s not Lord’s wife.”

“Ah, she is his mistress!”

Darcy’s face reddened, but before he could respond, Elizabeth made her way towards them. He had seen that look before at St. Albans; she smiled but underneath she was seething with anger, barely managing to speak with any self-possession.

“Mr. Darcy,” said she, her French faultless, “can you introduce me to the capitaine?”

“Certainly, Madame, may I introduce Monsieur Outhier, Capitaine de l’ Alliance . Monsieur, this is Madame…”

Elizabeth interrupted. “I’m sure, Monsieur, we do not need formal introductions. You have already tagged me as mistress to this house. I can assure you, that is far from the truth.” She turned to Darcy, “Monsieur Darcy, I’m fatigued—I would have you accompany me home, s’il vous pla?t.”

“Certainement, Madame, ce serait avec plaisir.”

Elizabeth took Darcy’s arm, made their thanks to Simeon Lord for a pleasant evening, exited the house and then walked down Bridge Street towards the main street of the town.

“Hold me, William. I’ll speak with equanimity in a few moments. Nevertheless, I must apologise for displaying my ill-humour—such was poorly done of me. ”

“Ma cherie, dearest Lizzie, I perceived your upset before Capitaine Outhier’s ill-spoken comments. What distresses you so—is there nothing I can do?”

“Outhier is merely French, with an ego larger than his manhood.” She gasped, “Oh, William, I’m in such vile temper—it does not befit the wife of the judge-advocate!”

“’Tis forgot. But you haven’t answered my question.”

“It’s Senhora Ruiz. She’s near her time, though being of large frame, it doesn’t show.

Her husband wishes to depart, he claims that staying for the birthing will cost him much money.

I examined her, as far as possible in so short a time.

The babe doesn’t sit well, and were she to begin her travail, she’ll endure much pain.

The child and she could die. William, if you could but delay his departure; but for how long, I cannot say. ”

“My Lizzie, there’s naught I can do. He has paid the customs duties, there are no convicts smuggled aboard the vessel.”

Elizabeth was inconsolable. “Oh to God that you were a tyrant, then you could save her. But no! that way lies anarchy.”

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