Chapter Twenty-Five

B reakfast the next morning was subdued and glum; exhaustion was clearly written on the faces of the crew. The pride of accomplishing the feat of travelling over the Falls—with nothing more than a good scraping along the bottom—was overshadowed by the occasional, thunderous rumble of the earth. Everyone would glance about uneasily, not wishing to bring attention to the passing wave of shaking earth, yet unable to ignore it. The ship would rock gently as a smaller wave of percussion rolled along under them on its journey northeast.

Every minor shock would cause the whispered conversation to halt as everyone on the New Orleans waited to gauge just how strong it would be. Most were relatively mild. Occasionally, one was almost as severe as the first one from the previous day.

Elizabeth sat quietly next to Darcy, taking in some of the observations that were swirling about her. She would give her head a slight shake when one theory was so very wild that it bordered on comical. Every face at the table bore the evident weariness that a poor night of sleep leaves in its wake. The small mirror in her cabin had told her that her own eyes were shadowed and heavy. Rest had been in fits when it had come at all. Every shake of the boat had made her start up and glance around in fright. More than once, Elizabeth longed for the days when Darcy had slept just out of reach on the floor next to her bed.

Darcy leaned in close—startling Elizabeth out of her recollections of their past, scandalous sleeping arrangements—and whispered, "Perhaps we could stand and answer questions, as best we are able. You have done such extensive reading into the sciences, have you not?"

"As much as I was able with our limited library at Longbourn. It was fortunate that my father was so determined to accumulate a collection of scientific journals and treatises. The only correspondence he answered with alacrity were the ones from naturalists with whom he corresponded. Orders for seed and repairs to equipment on the farm did not enjoy such rapid attention, to the detriment of our fields. If he had been just as determined in his efforts to manage the estate, my family would not be in nearly so difficult financial straits."

"Mr Bennet did manage to help mould a remarkably clever, able daughter though. For that, I will always be in his debt."

Elizabeth turned to see if she could catch more of his meaning. Was he complimenting just her mind? Was there more to his gratitude than mere pleasantries to bolster her confidence?

Infuriating man. Her heart was his for the asking, of that much Elizabeth was absolutely certain. But she felt herself to still be enough of a rational, sensible creature to see his shortcomings with a clear eye. Her mouth opened to challenge him to speak more clearly on what he just said when Darcy rose and lifted his hands.

"May I have your attention? Thank you. I realise that the extraordinary events of yesterday—so sudden and shocking to us all—must have given rise to some fears and questions. You all acquitted yourselves admirably with courage, and I cannot imagine a more capable group of men—"

Elizabeth cleared her throat and glanced at Clara May.

"Men and women to have come through both the Falls and the earthquake of yesterday with such skill. My wife—" Darcy paused again and looked down momentarily, his eyes blinking rapidly. He continued, his voice more deliberate. "My wife, Mrs Darcy, has read extensively and is more knowledgeable on current ideas of science. I would ask that if you have any questions, please address them to her at this time so that we all may benefit from her wisdom. Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth stood and cleared her throat. Never had she been before a large group and spoken.

"As my husband has said"—her voice stumbled slightly, as it always did when referring to Darcy as her husband—"I have read a little about the natural world and would be happy to attempt to answer any questions you may have. Though I have read some very old accounts of quakes, I assure you that I was just as startled as any of you when the first one hit. Please, feel free to ask anything that you may be wondering about, and I will attempt to recall what I have studied."

There was a complete silence. Someone shuffled their feet. Another coughed. Finally, Clara May raised her hand.

"Yes?"

"I heard tell—just before we departed Louisville—that some think people live on the comet. Is that true? For some fellows were saying we should arm ourselves against the comet people."

"Ah. I think it unlikely. You see, the surface of the comet appears to be extraordinarily inhospitable. It was thought to be made entirely of gases—"

"Gases?" someone asked.

"Yes, gases. Such as steam or fog or smoke. But the most recent ideas seem to put forward that it is composed of rock."

"Rock? Flying through the air?" another man proclaimed with a guffaw.

"Yes. Much as our moon is most likely made of rock, yet hangs suspended."

"Why does it have a forked devil's tail?"

"Excellent question. It is my personal idea that the comet is changing shape, much as a log in the fire begins to shrink and turn to coals and ash. Then, the flames erupt from it in different forms, do they not? That must be why the tail of the comet is cleaved in two."

"Did the comet cause the earthquake?"

"We do not know what causes earthquakes. It was thought that all earthquakes and violent upheavals happened long ago and no longer occurred in modern times. But, as we experienced yesterday, that is not the case at all. I think the quake of yesterday will cause some exciting new investigation into earthquakes. James Hutton, a Scottish scientist, recently put forth the idea that these changes in the rocks and soil beneath our feet are happening all of the time, but most are too small to be seen by us and take many years of rain and wind to be noticeable. Only occasionally does a shift occur that is violent and observable. Such as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy many centuries ago. Though it was active as recently as last century as well, but not to the extent as the most violent eruption that happened long ago."

Many blank faces stared back at her, apparently unfamiliar with both the ancient and more recent rumblings of the volcano, and perhaps also ignorant of the country of Italy itself. Worried, Elizabeth stole a glance at Darcy. He was watching her with a blend of pride and amusement. It bolstered her wavering confidence.

"Was this the worst of it or were there areas that shook more terribly?"

"I cannot say. The shocks lessen the farther away one is from the source of the earthquake. It could be that we were very close to the centre of the calamity and we will see little effects as we continue our journey."

"Or…" Mr Baker said in a suspicious tone.

"Or we could encounter far worse than a few trees that rattled as if in a strong breeze. Either way, I believe we were actually fortunate to be on the water."

No further questions came up. Darcy rose and began to instruct the men to cast off from the tree that had been anchoring the boat in place for the night. They had deliberately tied up to a large tree on an island that was as far from the shore as they could manage after Elizabeth had pointed out several fresh cliffs that had formed when large swaths of the shore had slid into the river. The thought of the New Orleans being buried under a slide of soil in the middle of the night whilst most of the crew slept was worrying enough for them to attempt to stay as far from the riverbanks as possible.

As Elizabeth walked out onto the deck, a haze caused the sun to appear even more red than in the previous weeks. An inescapable odour of sulphur hung heavy in the air that not even the occasional weak breeze could dispel. The paddle wheels on either side of the boat began to reluctantly move as the firebox had heated enough to start the up and down motion of the beam.

Usually, this was one of Elizabeth's favourite moments of the day, witnessing the wheels awake from their nightly slumber to churn the waters into a froth. She leaned against the railing, unable to account for the sensation of agitation that she was experiencing. Beyond the very real worry about more rattles of the ground and waters, her body and mind seemed in a whirl of anxiety just as equally from the epiphany that she was deeply in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Upon reflection, it seemed to her as strange a development as any she had ever imagined.

As if she had summoned him by the act of examining her inner turmoil, Elizabeth started when she heard his warm voice near her say, "Thank you."

Turning quickly, she looked up into his face, and their gazes locked for a flash of a moment. Unable to bear to lose herself in his eyes, Elizabeth turned away, glad to observe the ever-changing water of the river.

"I would hate for my performance to be examined by a true scholar, but…"

"But it was admirable and much appreciated. It makes me uncomfortable to be the sole provider of information and solace. Your words did ease some fears."

"Even though I warned that things may be worse ahead and not better?"

"A known devil is far better to face than an unknown devil. Even preparing us for potential hardship is more desirable than being caught totally unawares."

"I suppose you are in the right with that observation. I hope the crew will be able to sleep with more ease tonight."

"Yes… I do not wish to make a suggestion that is improper…but…"

Sighing loudly with a quick groan, Elizabeth shook her head. "Fitzwilliam, I believe that we are far past that point. Necessity has forced us to move in ways that would be utterly horrifying to our acquaintance in England. If our adventure was ever discovered and discussed by society, I would possess a reputation that I cannot even pretend could be salvaged back to respectable. Fortunately, we are so deep in the wilds of America that the chances of that occurring are slim. Feel free to speak plainly without the preamble to soften the shock to my sensibilities."

"I understand. I wanted to assure you that if you ever feel that you are in peril—at night—or that you are too anxious to stay in your cabin unattended, I would hope that you know that I would wish you to knock on my cabin door."

Elizabeth turned and dropped her eyes, recalling how very much she had wanted to perform that act just the evening before and feeling the full embarrassment of their situation.

"Excuse me," Clara May said as she stepped up, "Mr Jack wanted me to ask if you could join him at the bow of the ship, sir."

"Of course. Excuse me." Out of habit, Darcy gave a small bow and turned to the fore of the boat.

"Goodness, how he looks at you," Clara May whispered as Darcy walked away.

The earth gave a low growl, and the two ladies swayed to one side.

"Whatever are you speaking about?" Elizabeth asked. "We behave as a married couple ought… Do we not?"

"Well, I have never seen a man stare at his wife the way Mr Darcy gazes at you. It is as if he is still courting you, holding himself back from taking you up in his arms. One day, if I can have my husband wrapped around my finger the way Mr Darcy is around yours, that would be lovely."

Shaking her head with ferocity, Elizabeth said, "You are mistaken, I am certain. We have a great fondness for each other's company, it is nothing more than that. We are much like any other married couple, there is nothing so remarkable about our union. It may seem unusual, for I believe… That is, I am certain that many couples from a background of wealth marry for rank and consideration, but—"

"The pair of you wed for love. It is plain for all to witness. That would be a point of pride for me. You need not be a newly-wed, blushing bride about it. Count yourself as one of the blessed ones. It reminds me so much of Mr and Mrs Roosevelt, them being so much taken with one another. Cannot bear to be parted! Sleep together, talk together, made this same trip two years ago whilst Mrs Roosevelt was just starting to show with Rosetta. People said she was daft, but I hushed that talk whenever I could, telling folk that they were that much in love."

"Their marriage really is one of affection? And not connexion or fortune?" Elizabeth asked, suddenly more eager than she had ever been to hear of any happy marriage that had been due to genuine regard. "He is quite a bit older than her."

"True! And do not think she was not courted by handsome young fellows, what with her being so pretty and not without some fortune. But she would have none of it. Nicholas Roosevelt was the only one she would consider."

Clara May sighed and glanced towards the engine room and the pumping arm of the beam. Elizabeth laid a hand on her forearm tentatively, for their conversations were of a new kind for her. Ladies and servants did not usually enjoy such a degree of candour and confidence. "Perhaps there is such a marriage in your near future, if you are so inclined."

Suddenly, Clara May bristled up and stiffened her spine. Elizabeth withdrew her hand, embarrassed that perhaps she had pressed their friendship too far.

"That reminds me, madam. Did your man speak to Mr Baker? He was still very…" Clara May screwed up her eyes in thoughtfulness. "Very reserved last night when we were talking…if you catch my meaning."

Elizabeth had to bite the inside of her lip to repress a smile as she recalled that Darcy had instructed Mr Baker to comport himself with gentlemanly restraint for the remainder of the trip. Both women grasped at the railing and had a moment of fright as another rumble of the earth passed under them.

"I think Mr Darcy was concerned that, prior to an official offer for your hand, Mr Baker should conduct himself with as much discretion and restraint as possible. As any gentleman should."

"Well," Clara May huffed as she released the railing and crossed her arms in front of her chest, "some ladies enjoy more than words before the wedding night."

"Ah, I know he intends to speak with Mr Baker again, but with the calamity of the quake, it has perhaps slipped his mind. He meant well by his interference. I believe he felt a justified obligation to shield the unmarried women who are under his protection. He comes from a level of society in England that does not encourage open displays of feeling and spoke from his own sense of propriety. Also, being the master of a very large estate, he must protect the women—both ladies of consequence and servants—under his direction. It is what is expected. His own honour as well as his sense of justice would be at stake. I would be shocked to the core if he was ever accused of allowing a woman under his protection to be harmed whilst he was knowledgeable of the situation."

A startling thought broke upon Elizabeth. If Fitzwilliam ever had feelings for me, would propriety prevent him from speaking them or making a demonstration? I am a woman under his protection, far from home and the company of friends. Impossible! No, I would know. I have such a talent for character sketching. And yet, Clara May has said how keenly he watches me. I now know him well enough that not every glance can be attributed to disapproval, can it? Friends do not constantly find fault in their companions.

Elizabeth shook her head to dismiss the confusing thoughts that clouded out the issue at hand. "I believe that—"

A cry of shock broke their concentration. Both women raced to the fore of the ship as several men stood staring out.

It was the juncture where the Ohio River joined the Mississippi River, a moment when there should have been shouts of celebration. Elizabeth pushed through the gathered men to stand next to Darcy, her shoulder pressing into his arm. He did not even turn his gaze to look at her. Darcy's entire attention was focused on the convergence of the rivers, his jaw clenched in concern.

Elizabeth looked out to where the Ohio River—relatively clean of evidence of the recent earthquake—met with the tumultuous, muddy, furious waters of the Mississippi River. Large fallen trees glided by, their canopy of roots turning and flinging upwards. Bits of debris that could only be other boats or parts of cabins churned and lunged up out of the waters only to disappear again under the white river crests.

Darcy blinked and looked down at her. "I should never have allowed you aboard this boat." His hand covered hers. Her other hand laid on top of his. "We must turn back."

"We have come so far! I will stand by you, no matter what you decide."

He gave her a rueful, determined grin before turning to the men. Darcy looked towards Mr Jack.

"Mrs Darcy was correct to warn that the earthquake may have been stronger downriver," the navigator said with a nod towards Elizabeth. "Looks bad, make no mistake. But I believe we could manage it, sir. However, the maps will be useless."

The maps! So carefully constructed by the Roosevelts during their previous trip, noting the passages that would accommodate the hull of the boat—useless! This revelation was apparently not lost on Darcy as he stood still, clearly considering his options.

As if coming fully to his resolution, Darcy nodded to no one in particular and said, "Right. We press on. Post crew at intervals along the railing—a pair aft, a pair fore, a pair midship—one starboard and one port. They will tell the pilot what dangers they perceive and shout out warnings. Mr Jack, take the helm."

"Yes, sir." The pilot instructed his most reliable men to their positions and raced to the wheel to relieve the less experienced crew.

"Mr Baker, make certain the firebox stays hot. How are we with fuel?"

"Good for now, Mr Darcy. Though it will be a terribly tough time to find dry wood in that muddy mess." He nodded his head in the direction of the oncoming river junction.

"We still have a healthy reserve of coal aboard. I am glad we thought to fill some of the empty guest cabins with crates of spare coal now that weight is not such a consideration."

"Aye, that was the good news about getting over them falls in Louisville."

The rest of the day was a nightmare of high anxiety and close shaves. The New Orleans merged into the Mississippi and left the relatively calm waters of the Ohio River behind. Everywhere one looked, a massive tree erupted out of the water and cries of warning went up from the crew who were stationed along the railing. His face in a mask of grim determination, Mr Jack heeded each new call of warning as he would steer the boat away from danger after danger. Darcy stood by his side, offering restrained advice and confirming information as it was received. The occasional jolt from unseen danger under the muddy surface of the waters made everyone aboard cry out, wondering if they were about to be pulled under.

Clara May and Elizabeth kept the men in coffee and refreshments. Messages were taken between posts by them and down to the engine room. The haggard faces of the crew, tired from little sleep the night before and now the strain of navigation in unimaginable waters, would brighten momentarily as they sipped from a cup or took a bite to eat. The deck would receive the occasional soaking of a splash of water, and curses would erupt from the engine room. Its opening to the above deck did little to keep out the occasional slosh of muddy waters.

"This ship was not designed for waters this dangerous!" Clara May exclaimed. "Should we turn back?"

As she spoke, the boat was passing close to the shoreline. A naked cliff suddenly lurched and then slid into the water, taking a large stand of trees with it. Both ladies cried out in surprise as the wave of the earth collapsing into the river raced after the New Orleans , threatening to swamp it entirely with the brown waters that surged ahead of it.

"I believe we would be just as wise to continue on our present course. To stand still or go against the current would be a disaster. It is an entirely new adventure that we are on."

"I do not like it, madam!"

"You envied me for my ride over the Falls, now you are having one to equal or exceed it. It will make quite the story."

"If we survive," she muttered.

"Do not give way to gloomy thoughts, dear friend." Elizabeth placed her hand on the young woman's shoulder. "An engineer's wife must be able to bear such calamities. You and I are not wilting flowers. We are made of sterner stuff, are we not?"

A pert smile returned to Clara May's face as she nodded.

Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and said, "Goodness!"

Above on a cliff was a small town that had no doubt been farther back from the river just two days before. The chimneys had all tumbled down. Half of one building was on the verge of collapse into the river. Even a graveyard was partially unearthed, revealing the edges of several coffins, the sleep of the inhabitants forever disturbed.

The people of the town pointed and stared as the boat steamed by. A few raised their hands, screamed, and ran away from the sight of the loud, smoking boat whose sparks flew upwards from the smokestack.

"Poor people! Some of them must be holding us responsible!" Elizabeth cried in dismay. "I believe we are the lucky ones, here on the boat. If we make it out of this alive, we will not be burdened by rebuilding. I wonder if the quake could be felt all the way in the Capitol?"

One of the men called out to steer port to avoid the peak of a roof that had just emerged from the waters. The two women, recalling their duties, separated and dashed away in opposite directions.

Elizabeth bumped into a man striding past. Her stumble did not turn more serious as a pair of strong hands shot out and steadied her. "My apologies, Elizabeth. Are you holding up well? You are not over-exerting yourself?"

Elizabeth looked up into Darcy's eyes, suddenly acutely aware of the heat from his body as he pressed her body close to his in a protective manner. There was true concern in his gaze. Was there more? A surge of the deck under them caused them to part.

Elizabeth wiped the back of her hand along her cheek and shook her head. "Do not make yourself uneasy over me, sir. I am well. I hope the boat is soon beyond this destruction. The poor people onshore!"

"I know. We dare not stop until nightfall, for we cannot be safely tethered to a dock that may give way and float downriver. The farther we stay from the shore, the safer we will be. We have little to offer them in the way of provisions if we are to feed those aboard."

They parted, Elizabeth more confused than ever as the rocking river beneath them so closely resembled the state of her heart.