The Transatlantic Bride

Elizabeth

“I shall not marry that man.”

“Eliza, you must. It is the only means by which we can salvage our family,” her mother implored, desperation lacing her tone.

“Our family would not find itself in such dire straits had you not squandered our fortune as if you were Queen Victoria herself!” Eliza retorted; her indignation was palpable.

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner! Everything I have done has been for the good of this family. Do you think I desired this outcome? Do you think I take pleasure in witnessing our downfall?”

“Then cease making choices that lead us to ruin! I refuse to sacrifice my future for your blunders, Mother.”

“It is too late for such sentiments. The arrangement is finalized, and the funds have been expended. The Vienna departs for America in but an hour, so you must prepare to leave,” she spat, a fleeting shadow of regret flickering across her features.

“You intend to sell me like livestock, disregarding my own desires? You are utterly selfish. Father would never have condoned this!” Eliza’s voice reverberated against the silk-draped walls as she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Storming out the front door and into the carriage, I found myself consumed by a tempest of emotions, my heart ablaze with indignation at my mother for dispatching me as though I were mere merchandise, to be traded and bartered.

I could not help but think about my father and our family. We used to be so happy. Mother would play the piano in the drawing room while Father and I played board games, and Evan played with his toys on the floor.

But even then, our money was dwindling, with Father struggling to keep up with Mother’s constant spending. He would never have allowed Mother to send me away, to bear the weight of our family’s burdens.

The giggling of the children playing in the street outside reached my ears, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. Their laughter, so carefree and innocent, only deepened my sense of loss and betrayal. I remember the days when such sounds filled our home, when joy was abundant, and worries were few. Now, those days seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the harsh realities of our present circumstances.

As the carriage jolted forward, the wheels clattered against the cobblestones, signaling our arrival at the port.

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“All aboard!” The captain’s voice rang out through the fog-laden air of London, calling the bustling crowd at the port to embark upon Vienna.

“Good morning, you must be Lady Elizabeth Elliott,” Captain Felix greeted her with a disarming smile as she approached to sign the ledger.

“How did you arrive at that conclusion, Captain?” she inquired, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, my lady, you are the sole lady aboard,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Is that so?” she replied, a playful smile dancing upon her lips.

“Indeed, it is. Should you require any assistance, do not hesitate to ask, my lady,” he said, leaning in slightly, his demeanor warm.

“Oh, I shall. And Captain, I fear nothing. You may call me Eliza; that is what my loved ones do,” she responded, holding his gaze a moment longer than proprietary would suggest.

“Then Eliza it shall be,” he said, his tone softening. “I look forward to our journey together.”

“Indeed, I too anticipate our voyage, Captain,” she said over her shoulder as she stepped aboard the ship. “Anna, do fetch my bags and take them to my cabin.”

“Yes, of course, Elizabeth,” Anna replied, dutifully collecting the trunks and following closely behind.

“Elizabeth…”

“Yes?” Eliza replied, turning her head slightly.

“Um…”

“Speak plainly or not at all,” she snapped, exasperated by Anna’s habit of trailing off mid-sentence.

“Do you not think you are being a trifle flirtatious?” Anna whispered; her voice barely audible.

Eliza leaned in closer, her gaze locking onto Anna’s. “If I am to be forced into a marriage with a man I have never met, then I shall indulge in a bit of fun before I become a wife. Now, I am utterly fatigued. This day has been the most trying. Come, let us retire to the cabin and rest a while before supper.”