One
Ramsgate, July 1809
“Dearest Lizzy, I cannot thank you enough for helping me and keeping me company. With three young children and an infant, one could hardly keep one’s sanity, to be honest.”
Elizabeth laughed at Mrs Gardiner; they were enjoying a cup of tea in the garden after dinner, in one of the rare moments of peace before retiring for the night. From their position, they could hear the sound of the waves and feel the pleasant breeze.
“Dear aunt, it was you who invited me to spend two months in Ramsgate. I should be the one thanking you, which I hope I have already done.”
“You have, too many times. Do not misunderstand me — I adore all my children, and I am grateful for your uncle’s efforts in finding us this lovely cottage in which to spend the summer, even if he cannot be with us often. I know I sound selfish complaining about tiredness when I have several servants to help me.”
“You might have the servants, but you wish to do everything for the children yourself. It is no wonder you are tired. I am glad that I can at least help to care for them and play with them during the day.”
“It is a significant help, Lizzy. It seems playing out of doors is not only excellent for their health but also exhausts them. When we are in London, they sleep half as well as they do here.”
“I could say the same about myself too,” Elizabeth said laughing.
“This cottage is perfectly situated, with direct access to the beach and the water, on the opposite side of the road from the houses of the very rich, and away from Ramsgate’s hustle and bustle. It has been a peaceful and comfortable stay. Your uncle made an excellent choice.”
“I adore this cottage. I dream that someday I might own or at least rent one of my own, which I doubt will happen. So, when will Uncle come to escort us back to London?”
“In his letter he said it would be next week. If nothing delays him, of course. He works so hard, but how can I complain since he provides us with everything we need — and much more. He is truly the best husband and father.”
“You and Uncle have always been my example of a happy marriage, Aunt. I hope to find someone like him myself one day. If not, I would rather remain a spinster and take care of your children.”
Mrs Gardiner laughed heartily. “I am sure you will find a good husband very soon, Lizzy. Just do not be too hasty in deciding on your future. You need time, wisdom, and good judgment to make such a lifelong commitment.”
“I have no intention of marrying soon, Aunt. I cannot imagine where I might find a suitor whom I could love, admire and respect. As you well know, we are rather poor, and a good dowry is an essential inducement for most men.”
“For most, but not all of them. Perhaps you will find the right gentleman when we finally take you on that long-promised journey to the Lakes. However, considering your uncle’s business affairs, it might be years before it happens.”
“In truth, I am far more eager for that journey than for marriage. After all, what are men to rocks and mountains?”
The two of them shared more laughter and continued to speak until they noticed a horse and rider moving along the shore. He could not see them through the trees that bordered their garden, but they could make out his form, even though his features remained obscured.
The rider intrigued Elizabeth as there were rarely any visitors at that hour on that part of the beach. She glanced at her aunt, who returned an equally puzzled look. Then the rider leant forwards in the saddle and threw something — seemingly a package — far into the sea, then departed at a gallop.
“That was strange,” Elizabeth said. “And quite rude. Why would you throw something into the water just in front of the houses? It is very poor manners.”
“Very poor manners, indeed, and if there was a little more time, I would have told him as much.”
The peaceful night was suddenly broken by a loud, agonising cry, so tormenting that Elizabeth jumped to her feet.
“What in the Lord’s name…?” Mrs Gardiner cried.
Missing not a single moment, Elizabeth picked up her skirts and ran towards the sound, which resembled a heart-rending scream. She realised the noise was coming from the water and noticed a writhing dark bundle bobbing on the waves. With no thought for her own safety and heedless of the protestations of her aunt, she waded into the sea, deeper and deeper until she managed to grab it. In her arms, the movement of the bundle increased, as well as the wailing.
Pressing the package to her chest while fighting back through the waves in her soaked and heavy gown, Elizabeth realised she was carrying a cat, bound in a thick fabric and evidently thrown to its death. As she reached the sand, she held it tight, caressing it and speaking gently, but the cat still struggled to escape.
Reaching her relieved aunt, they carefully unwrapped the fabric, holding the cat carefully.
With amazement and anger, Elizabeth watched as a little grey face appeared from inside the fabric, mewing in despair and trying to break free. She held it closely, stroking it while she continued to talk softly.
“Dear Lord, who could do such a thing to such a beautiful creature? Not just turn it out but condemn it to a painful drowning! This is just awful!” Mrs Gardiner exclaimed.
“Who? Someone with no character and no heart!” Elizabeth replied furiously. “If only I had seen his face and was able to recognise him, I would make him pay!”
“What a vicious, cruel act, indeed. Outrageous and frightening!” Mrs Gardiner uttered, shaking her head in disbelief.
