Chapter 1

One

August 9, 1811

Elizabeth Bennet had never been parted from her elder sister for more than a fortnight, but any hint of dismay she felt for their imminent separation was overcome by her eagerness for adventure, for each was to embark on a holiday. Elizabeth's journey to the Lakes had been long planned; Jane's trip had been more hastily arranged, and it was unsettling to the calm sensibilities of the eldest Bennet sister.

Although Longbourn's breakfast room was rarely serene, today's departures had stirred emotions. As Mrs Bennet prattled on about the marriageable young men Jane would meet, Elizabeth eyed her sister's untouched breakfast.

"Jane, you must eat. The dining table is far preferable to a rocking carriage for eating toast."

Jane's answering smile was more nervous than amused, but she did manage a bite of ham.

"Lizzy, your own plate is in need of attention," said Mr Bennet from behind his newspaper. "If I am to be without you and Jane, do not let it be said I sent you off hungry."

Elizabeth smirked, and Jane looked easier when she replied, "We shall not damage your reputation or ours, Papa."

"Thank you, dear girl. Now do as Lizzy says and eat something."

A few minutes later, their plates somewhat less full, Elizabeth patted Jane's hand. "I order you not to miss me, nor to feel any guilt while you enjoy your view of the sea."

"I shall miss you, and I expect letters reporting on all that you see travelling with the Gardiners."

"You will make me quite jealous if you grow to be an excellent swimmer."

"Oh, I do not intend to try sea-bathing, it is too?—"

"Jane, I shall not forgive you if you do not try sea-bathing," cried Lydia. " I wish to go sea-bathing. I would be excellent at it."

"As would I," agreed Kitty, "if the water were not too cold."

Mr Bennet set down his paper and reached for his teacup. "Alas, dear girl, the sea is always cold. It keeps the fish fresh for us."

Lydia was undeterred. "I would never eat fish again if I could go sea-bathing!"

Elizabeth did not return her father's sardonic smile. He was not pleased to be losing his two eldest daughters for the next few weeks, and he had made an odd comment or two about his own desire to travel. She suspected the prospect of the four little Gardiner children at Longbourn, supervised only by her mother and three younger sisters, gave him pause; young Henry had been too fond of pulling out books and running off with them on their last visit.

"Jane, you must be careful not to take a chill," said her mother. "Do not swallow the sea water, as it is harmful to your lungs. And you must rinse your skin and hair after bathing! You cannot allow the salt to affect your complexion!"

"Mary King is foolish for choosing Jane as her particular friend," said Lydia, stabbing unhappily at her egg. "Jane is far more handsome and a full three years older than her. No one will bother with dull, freckled Mary."

Elizabeth, eager to spare Jane more of Lydia's invectives, glanced at the clock and was relieved to find it was nearly eleven. The carriage owned by Mary King's uncle soon would arrive.

"Come, Jane. We must see that all is ready with your luggage." She tugged her sister from her chair and into the hall, where a small trunk, a hatbox, and a valise sat waiting. "Do you promise you will write to me every day, telling stories of the pirates and mermaids you meet and the astonishing sunsets you see?"

"Of course," Jane replied, laughing. "But you must write to me of rocks and lakes and dashing highwaymen!"

"The lakes are nothing to the sea, but I am quite eager to see them." Elizabeth was a little envious of all she imagined her demure older sister would experience at the sea—if only Jane would allow herself to be a bit more open and daring.

"You will be in the best company with the Gardiners," said Jane. "I know Mary but a little?—"

"This is exactly what you need, dearest. Meryton has grown dull. The seaside offers opportunities to meet people and enjoy new sights and experiences." Elizabeth clasped her sister's hands.

"You will have a wonderful time in Ramsgate!"