Chapter 15; the Grand Tour I
June 1811
Soon after her visit to Almack's, the Fitzwilliam family began the preparationsfor the trip to the Continent, buying travelling clothes and a new wardrobe for Elizabeth and Jane. As Max was to marry Marina before their departure, the Earl and Countess would travel with Mary-Rose and Elizabeth and Jane to their destinations around Europe, particularly France, Italy, Russia and home via Denmark. They would be gone the whole summer and not return to London until the late autumn or early winter.
A few days before the family's departure to Calais, the wedding of Viscount Maxwell and Lady Marina Campbell was performed in a small ceremony as the couple had desired, only witnessed by their relations and closest friends. Maxwell and Marina had been glowing with happiness, as they had made their vows to each other. Elizabeth had once again been asked to be a bridesmaid alongside with Mary-Rose, and Max had asked Richard and William to be his groomsmen. This time, William's eyes met hers several times during the vows which left her breathless and with flaming cheeks, though she met his eyes instead of dropping their eye contact.
When the priest finally announced, "I am proud to present Viscount Maxwell and Lady Marina Fitzwilliam." Tears were shed by their mothers and congratulations were given as the couple left the church.
Max said just as he had helped Marina into his carriage, "Thank you, Sis! And now be careful and take care of yourself."
"I will, Max. Take care of my new sister." Elizabeth replied, and hugged her brother one last time. He had smiled and departed with his bride.
Soon the family were ready for their trip, and began to bid their farewells to friends and family alike; the Darcys were the last ones they would make their farewells. William had requested for Georgiana to delay her departure back to school so she could see their family before they left.
Georgiana said as they were all gathered in one of the parlours in Darcy house, as the Fitzwilliam family was departing after they had bid their farewells to the Darcys. "I truly hope that you will all enjoy your trip. I cannot wait to hear of all your adventures when you return."
Jane said: "I will definitely make Elizabeth write, since I have promised to write to my family."
Elizabeth smiled and said to Georgiana: "I promise I will write! I am only sorry that you cannot come with us."
William said: "I think we are both sorry that we cannot come with you."
His eyes met Elizabeth's who expressed sorrow at not having them with her on this part of her life as a Fitzwilliam, "I promise to write you both! Please write to us; we will be in Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg for long periods of time." Elizabeth promised.
Two days later, the Fitzwilliam family were on a ship bound for Calais. Elizabeth had never been so close to the sea, even if Rosings had not been far from it. She loved the feeling of the wind in her face and the smell of the ocean. Elizabeth had found a spot on the ship bow where she could be left in relative peace and still be able to observe everything.
Soon after the ship docked in Calais and while their carriages were assembled, the Fitzwilliam's spent their time looking at the shop windows. When the family finally got on their way to Paris, her fatherasked: "How do you like the first leg of your trip, Elizabeth?"
"Very well, father. The sea smelled of salt and I have never seen a sky so blue."
The Countess and Earl exchanged fond smiles at their youngest daughter. "Are you looking forward to our visit to Paris? We aregoing to meet a few cousins of the family."
The countess asked Elizabeth, but meant her inquiry for Elizabeth and Jane.
"Yes, mother, I do look forward to seeing Paris, especially after everything I have read and heard."
Jane said politely: "You and I agree, Elizabeth. It is very kind of you, for allowing me to come along on this trip."
"Of course, Miss Jane. We hope you will enjoy this trip as much as Elizabeth."
A few hours later they arrived in Paris; both Jane and Elizabeth asked questions of the countess and the earl while admiring everything through the windows.
The house they owned wasin the best part of Paris was very like their home in London and close to the sights. After refreshing, Elizabeth sat down at a conveniently appointedwriting desk near the window, which afforded her with the view of a fine neighbourhood, and began writing her first three letters from her tour: to William, Georgiana and Madeline.
Paris, France, 1811
L'Anglais House
Dear William,
We have arrived safely to Paris to the house the family owns I guess. The passage on the ship was without mishap, as the sea was calm and we had nothing but sunshine, if a little wind to make the journey comfortable. The crossing was good, but I have never seen a sky as blue as it was over the channel. Though I will admit to being a little...well, very excited to see and learn everything. I will also admit to missing you and Georgie and of course, my brothers and eldest sister. William, make sure they do not do something stupid! Richard and you do have a way of getting into trouble, so please try not to while I am not there to laugh or tease you for it.
Onto the matter ofGeorgiana - would you kindly send a list of music sheets she is in need? I intend to bring back gifts for you all! Anything you recommend I see in Paris? I am missing you badly.
I am and will remain yours, most affectionately
Beth
After that, she wrote the two remaining letters, before she was called down for dinner.
The next day saw the Fitzwilliam family out and about in Paris, from the Louvre art museum - to being in all the best homes as guests, after their meeting a few French cousins on her mother's side of the family.
The first meeting with the French part of the family was the first test of Elizabeth's linguistic skills and test of her confidence.
Her mother, sister and Jane were around her and her mother said: "Elizabeth, this is your Aunt, Countess Jeanette Dustiéer nee Douglas and your cousins, Daniel and Anne Dustiéer. Sister, this is my youngest, Elizabeth Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth made a small curtsy and said: "Aunt Dustiéer, it is a pleasure to meet you and your family."
"It is our pleasure to finally meet you, Elizabeth." her new aunt said with an elegant French accent.
Quickly the days in Paris got a rhythm as the Dustiéer or Fitzwilliam family visited or was out and about Paris. It was soon clear that Elizabeth spoke French as well as her cousins which surprised them. Especially Daniel Dustiéer was amazed with his accomplished youngest cousin who was only five years his junior. And she was very pretty and extremely intelligent which he already admired.
A week after their arrival in Paris, Elizabeth was once again at her desk to finish off the three letters; she had worked on them for a few days to include anything and everything about her visit to Paris.
London
A few days later in London, William got Beth's latest letter which he tore open in his haste to hear from her. Georgiana had just smiled, shook her head in wonder and took her own letter.
L'Anglais House
Paris Residence
Paris, 1811
Dearest William,
I have already seen and learned so much here in Paris from fashion to food - the language feels quite natural for me now - all thanks to Madeline. We have seen everything from the most popular sights likeLouvre where I saw the portrait of Mona Lisa which was even more beautiful than I imagined and a little disconcerting as her eyes followed mearound the room.
Our French cousins Daniel and Anne Dustiéer are among the kindest people I have ever met. Anne is accomplished in the traditional way, but she does own a bit of the Douglass passion.
Daniel and I debate about everything from Britain vs. France to art and books, all in French which I enjoy immensely - to use my skills, as I have been taught.
We are to attendthis evening a private concert at the Dustiéer family home with other prominent families apparently, which is to be followed by supper and dancing. Father, cousin Daniel and uncle Dustiéer have all asked for a set from Mary Rose, Jane and myself this evening.
Thank you for your latest letter and thank you for adding the list of sheet music Georgie is lacking. I had the worst case of home sickness, as I miss Richard, Rachel, Max, Georgie and especially you, and it has only been two weeks! I will write again soon.
I am and will remain
Yours affectionately
Beth
William felt a pang of jealousy that Beth spent so much time with their French cousin - cousins he sternly reminded himself - being French was bad enough, but the fact that he apparently was kind and just as intelligent as HIS Beth made this cousin detestable in William's eyes! He should have gone with them as his plans had been! He missed her badly, but had tried to sound interested, inquired into what she had seen and recommended things she had to see. He knew he loved Beth and she loved him but she was so young – and yet there was only two years until she reached her eighteenth year. He sat down to his desk, to begin his next letter to his Beth.
Darcy House
London
1811
My Dearest Beth,
Thank you for your latest letter. I am happy that you enjoy Paris and all the attractions that the city affords. I am glad that you have received all my letters, even if I know it is hard to get our letters through. I have been busy, for hiring a new staff member, which Mrs Reynolds already had done much to my surprise from the ranks of Pemberley, and I have invested in a few new businesses which show promise, including that ofEdward Gardiner's.
I am happy to read about your adventures in Paris and enjoy how much you learn and see while out in Europe, even if I long to see you again and miss you dearly.
I am to ask for Charles - how is MissJane?
I am glad that you have met yourFrench relations, even if I dislike the word French; forgive me for the next, but do not let our cousin steal you away from me. I remember Anne; she was a sweet girl and quite a good playmate together with her brother, Richard and Max. I am sending you a small reminder of my feelings and a reminder of Derbyshire. Georgiana sends her love.
Yours truly
William Darcy
In Paris
Elizabeth had enjoyed the entire city, had gotten new clothes, seen plays, met other aristocracy, saw an opera, talked French, and spent time with her sister and Jane. They were soon to go to Rome, as she was now tired of Paris - even if she would miss her new cousins. Mostly Daniel and their debates. Daniel Dustiéer had found his cousin Elizabeth quite beautiful, fiery and intelligent - and had enjoyed their heated debates, even if he had noted the wary and sometimes annoyed glances from her pretty companion Miss Jane, and warning glances from the elder sister Lady Mary-Rose.
It was the next to last day of the Fitzwilliam's stay in Paris, when he was walking in the garden with Elizabeth, he tried to take her hand in his but she retracted her hand immediately, "I would like you not to do that again, Cousin." and put emphasis on the word Cousin.
"Elizabeth, nearly since the moment we met I have come to admire you greatly, your beauty and your vivaciousness. I love you." he expressed.
She stopped and looked at him with suddenly cold brown eyes, "You cannot love me; you know nothing of me! And I cannot and will not, ever, return such feelings as my heart is already taken by another." she stated clearly.
"Who is it? Does he make you enjoy your debates and talks? Does he make you blush?"Daniel asked as he stepped closer to her.
"He owns my heart and affections which is all you need to know, cousin!" she stated, which showed whose daughter she truly was in blood and name.
He suddenly had her in a firm embrace, which she struggled furiously to get away. And he kissed her, quickly but passionately; she got free and slapped him harshly across his cheek. When she returned home, not a half hour later with Mary-Rose and Jane, she got her latest letter from William and a brooch in form of a house which could be Pemberley or Fitzwilliam-Lake house in Matlock with a piece of pine wood inside, which only led her to tears as she whispered, "Oh Will!" and fled to her chambers.