Zan

One

April 18, 1908

Northampton, England

Far beneath a mackerel sky of whitish cloud and bright blue beyond, two young women walked toward a country house through softly blowing, knee-high grass with tennis rackets in hand. Patience Caldwell, the pretty, fair-headed one, normally had flawless, ivory skin, although now it was blotchy and pink from the exertion of the game. Your man needs to mow, she remarked critically.

Where’s the adventure in that? Arianna Day teased, brushing back strands of her coppery brown hair that had come loose. Then you could actually see what we were walking through. Snakes and such.

Patience squealed at the thought of snakes and began hacking the grass in front of her with her racket.

Arianna laughed with delight. Yes, that should do it! You’ve put them on alert.

Patience broke into a mad dash for the cut part of the lawn. Once she reached it, she turned back, breathing hard. You are so mean! You didn’t have to say that, knowing how I loathe the things. In fact, it’s the only reason you did say it. Admit it!

Arianna jerked to a halt and looked down in horror.

What’s wrong? Patience demanded suspiciously.

"S-something has me," Arianna cried as she went lopsided and then fell dramatically.

So amusing, Patience retorted, folding her arms. First you frighten me with talk of poisonous snakes and then you mock me.

Arianna popped back up with a smirk on her pretty face. I never said poisonous.

Oh, honestly, Ari!

Oh, honestly, Ari, Arianna repeated, mimicking Patience’s British accent perfectly. After more than ten years in England, she could fool even the most discriminating ear.

Patience turned and started toward the house. I don’t know why I bother.

Arianna bounded back to her feet and ran to catch up, throwing her arm around Patience. Because you’re my dearest friend in all the world and you love me beyond all good sense.

That’s an excellent way to put it. The beyond all good sense part, I mean. When they neared the house, a sharp rap at a window above made both girls look up to where Sullivan Vinson, Arianna’s uncle, gestured for Ari to come up. Ari waved back and the girls walked on, arm in arm. Did you speak to him about going home yet? Patience asked in a confidential tone.

Ari groaned. "This is my home, not Charleston. And, no, I have not brought the subject back up because he thinks I should go. For a visit, he says. She huffed. I have no desire to visit my father or brother ever again. Do you know we haven’t so much as exchanged a letter in nearly three years?"

It is a terribly long way to go for a visit, Patience commiserated. They walked in the back door and Patience followed Ari into a back parlor where she spied a covered pitcher of iced lemonade and two glasses. Wonderful! I’m parched.

They set their rackets aside and Ari walked over to pour.

Has it really been three years since you exchanged a letter? Patience asked as she walked to a chair and sat.

Arianna followed and handed her a glass. Not counting the letter he just wrote saying he felt it was time I returned home? Yes. Can you imagine the nerve of the man?

Ari drank half the glass of lemonade before plopping down on the settee. How much of a sin is it to wish your own father would go jump in a lake?

Patience frowned as she considered the question. I suppose that depends. Do you wish him to merely get wet or do you actually hope he’ll drown? She grinned, pleased by her little jest and Ari rolled her eyes at her. You should go see your uncle. I have to go, anyway.

Why?

Because I have a fitting this afternoon for my new gown.

I thought you had all your gowns for the season.

This one will be specifically for the Harvest Ball. Mama has finally consented to the new Empire styling, she added gleefully.

That is exciting, Ari said comically.

"Scoff if you will, but I love the new styles. And I love the Harvest Ball, really above all others, because it’s ours, you know? Northampton’s own traditional Harvest Ball."

Arianna jiggled her glass, making the ice chips clink against the side of the glass. I know. I love it too. It’s set apart from the others. It’s after the season and it’s here.

Suddenly, Patience pouted. Oh, Ari, I don’t want you to go to America. You just got back from India.

Ari shook her head at her friend who’d never been further away than the city. We got back six months ago. In fact, closer to seven.

Do you want to know what I think? I think your father’s learned of all the traveling to wild places and—

"He hasn’t cared in all these years, but suddenly what I do and where I go is disturbing to him? No. I am not going back to Charleston. I’ve made up my mind."

What? Just now?

That’s right. It’s my life and I’m not going. As a matter of fact, I too want to enjoy the full season.

Patience cocked her head, a pained expression on her face. You’ll have to come up with a better excuse than that. It won’t fool anyone who knows you.

Well, my father doesn’t know me.

He’s your father. I don’t believe you’ve changed that much in all the time you’ve been here.

Of course I have! People change and I’m older.

Patience frowned worriedly. That is true. You’re nearly twenty-two. Honestly, do you never worry about getting too old?

For what? Ari asked with an ingenuous fluttering of her eyes.

You know what.

Oh, you know I’ll probably marry Marshall and have two or three sons who look exactly like their father.

Patience giggled. Oh, I really think you should. He’s handsome and rich and very proper.

Yes, yes. I can see it now, Ari said drolly. We’ll attend all the right functions and I’ll wear the latest fashion, no matter how ghastly I find it. We’ll have scores of servants. Will I even know all their names, do you think?

The smile vanished from Patience’s face. You really don’t have those sort of feelings for him, do you?

Ari hesitated, considering the right answer. "Your mother would say those sort of feelings were of no importance."

Yes, she would, Patience said slowly. That’s exactly what she says. Even now in this room just between the two of them, Patience would not come any closer to a defiance of her mother’s beliefs than the merest hint that she felt otherwise.

No, I don’t have those sort of feelings toward him, Ari admitted. But I suppose I do see the sense in it.

Well, that’s something, Patience replied uncertainly. Although—

What?

I think the idea of marrying with one’s head rather than one’s heart is more English than American, really. I think you would be miserable stuck with someone you don’t truly love.

Ari drew back. You’re saying you wouldn’t?

No, Patience replied earnestly. I expect it.

It was a terrible thought. You do not!

I do, Patience replied apologetically with a shrug. I already know my parents will have to approve. Besides, I think I may not be capable of those sort of feelings. You know, where your knees go weak and your heart pounds out of your chest at the sight of a man. I never feel that. I’ve never felt anything close to it. She sipped her drink. Honestly? I think some of us might truly fall in love, but some of us won’t. You will, or you should, and I think Nan will. At least, I hope she will. She has such a soft heart. But I won’t, she continued with a resigned shrug. Delia won’t. It’s a matter of, she considered, I don’t know. Passion?

You have the best heart in the world, Arianna rejoined. So I cannot imagine why it wouldn’t happen for you.

Patience smiled sweetly. It won’t. One just knows some things and I know that. But it’s fine. Really! It doesn’t bother me.

It bothers me!

You know, if you really are going to stay, Patience said, changing the subject, you’ll need someone to start on more gowns straight away. The whole season is before us.

Ari was about to give a sardonic reply when Mrs. Herbin, their housekeeper, appeared at the door. Ari, your uncle’s asking for you, she said before walking on.

Patience set her glass down. And I must go. She rose. We could play again tomorrow if the rain holds off. But at my house. The lawn is mowed.

No sense of adventure, Ari said sadly, also rising.

Shall I invite Delia and Nan? Patience asked as they walked to the door.

Yes, do. It will be fun.

Let’s meet at ten and after our game, we’ll have lunch.

After Patience left, Ari continued upstairs knowing it was high time she broached the subject of Charleston. About Charleston, she’d begin. You know, Uncle Sully, it’s my life. Or what about, I’ve been thinking and I’ve decided I really do not want to leave home this summer. Yes. She would be blunt and get right to the point.

It was true. This place, Somersly Manor, was her home. It was rather a quirky old place, although, since arriving, she’d never wanted another. Built some seventy years ago as a hunting lodge for a wealthy tycoon, it was comfortable with spacious rooms and large, many-paned windows. It had a smoking room, a trophy room and an enormous billiards room. In short, it was a bachelor’s paradise, which made sense, since her uncle was a bachelor. A bachelor with a niece he’d taken in and cared for well and lovingly – something her father had not been capable of after the death of her mother.

She stopped in the open door of her uncle’s study and watched him biting on the stem of his pipe, completely absorbed in something he was reading. As always, the room smelled of rich tobacco and leather. She suddenly experienced a surge of emotion at the thought of leaving him. He’d taken her in at nine years of age when her mother, his only sister, had passed on and her own father had felt unable to cope. Sully had been a wonderful guardian and she loved him so dearly. She didn’t want to leave him.

Of course, she had other reasons for not wanting to go back to Charleston, reasons she’d kept secret from him since her one and only other visit home three years ago.

She cleared her throat as she walked into the room. You summoned?

He looked up at her and his eyes were positively alight. Yes! I’ve received the most remarkable correspondence.

From whom? she asked as she sat across from him.

He set his pipe aside. North.

Ah. Charles North was a renowned zoologist and a close friend. What’s he up to?

He is in Central Africa, part of an expedition to find some new breed of gorilla.

She grinned, amused by the thought. A new breed of gorilla?

Indeed. Apparently some German fellow discovered some unusual gorilla skulls a few years ago.

Unusual in what way?

I really don’t know, but the British Museum got their hands on them and determined they were the skulls of an unknown breed. So the Royal Society got involved and off a group went in search of the beasts with North leading the way.

So what does he say? Have they had any luck?

Not in locating the new breed of gorilla, he said haltingly.

She cocked her head, sensing something of significance by the gleam in his eye. But they had luck elsewhere?

Sully leaned forward. When they first arrived, they settled in, middle of the jungle now, and began observing the wildlife around them, concentrating on the great apes. You may not know this, but gorillas move around all the time. They don’t stay in one place.

I didn’t know that.

He gave a nod. So North and the others observed several bands of gorillas. They took notes and calculations and they kept watching and comparing.

But no new breed.

No. To their best of their knowledge, they’ve seen nothing but plain old mountain gorillas.

What’s the excitement then? You can hardly contain yourself.

"It’s just this; in watching the gorillas, they saw something amazing. Beyond amazing, really. There is a man who occasionally lives among them. Interacts with them. North says he seems more animal than human, but he’s definitely a man."

She blinked. A man who lives amongst gorillas?

He nodded. "A white man."

She nearly burst into laughter. Uncle Sully! He’s pulling your leg.

Sullivan shook his head. Charles North is capable of many things but humor has never been among them.

But—

Sullivan held up his hand. Hear me out.

But it’s impossible!

No. It may be illogical and unlikely and incredible but not impossible.

She considered him a moment. Alright, then. Go on.

"After the sighting, North began querying local tribes, and they know of the man. They’ve known of him for years! They call him matokeo ya utafutaji kwa, which means the untamed one."

Ari’s expression changed from wry amusement to one of confusion.

He’s believed to be in his late twenties based on sightings throughout the years, he continued. Furthermore, it is believed he’s lived in the jungle most his life.

She shook her head. "But…but how? How could he have survived? Moreover, why would a white man be there…and for almost the whole of his life?"

That’s what North asked me to dig into, he said calmly. Which I have done. He smiled a sly smile. And I think I have found the answer. In fact, I feel it.

I can hardly wait to hear, she said earnestly.

Twenty-three years ago, a bishop by the name of James Hannington traveled to Africa with a group of men, fellow missionaries, porters and a few surveyors. Their plan was to find a new route into Uganda. Eventually, to build a road.

Ari nodded.

Everything was fine until they left Mombasa, but then, for some reason, King Mwanga gave orders to stop them. They were set upon, put into a filthy rat and vermin infested hut and held for over a week until they were executed one by one. The last to die was Bishop Hannington.

A cold shiver ran up her spine. How terrible.

Yes it is, but it’s well documented. It got me wondering, so I dug up the list of men who’d been traveling with Hannington and … guess what I discovered.

What?

Two of the men’s wives went along. One of them, Mary Fuller, wife of Joshua Fuller, became gravely ill and stayed behind in Freretown, but the other, Catherine Shaffer went further. It’s not known how much further, but presumably, all the way, eventually meeting her death with the others.

Goosebumps rippled on Ari’s arms. What else?

Whatever do you mean, what else? he asked teasingly.

I mean that I know you and you’re holding something back. So, what is it? What haven’t you said?

What else is this, my dear. Only in one place did I find mention of the six-year-old son of Tom and Catherine Shaffer who accompanied his parents to Africa.

She exhaled a rush of breath. "Oh no! You think…I mean you honestly think that child survived and lives today amongst gorillas?"

He’s the right age, in about the right location. It fits with what the locals believe, and they would know.

She shook her head slowly, aghast at the thought of it.

"Not only has matokeo ya utafutaji kwa been sighted on numerous occasions, but the locals sometimes leave him gifts of food and clothing, and they have done so for years. I’m telling you, Ari, North has seen the wild man with his own eyes."

Her eyes grew round. You’re going, aren’t you?

Well, of course I’m going! Never in my life will something like this occur again. To be the first to photograph the poor creature if they manage to capture him? I simply have to go.

I want to go too!

He looked regretful. Under normal circumstances, perhaps—

I’m not going back to Charleston, no matter what, she interrupted.

I thought we decided that a visit was for the best, he said gently.

Everyone decided except for me. And it’s my life!

It is your life, dearest, but your father will be most displeased.

I don’t care! I am sorry if that makes me sound hard and unfeeling, but it’s true.

Don’t be silly. There is nothing hard or unfeeling about you. I’m not sure your father will understand, however. His letter was rather insistent.

Arianna raised her chin and held his gaze stubbornly.

He shrugged slightly. What will you tell him?

The truth! He knows that my life is here. He agreed to the arrangement a long time ago when it suited him. He only wants me back now because he wants something from me!

Sully drew back. What do you mean? What does he want from you?

She felt her face grow warm. I don’t know. He probably wants me to marry someone.

Ari, he objected. What in the world makes you think such a thing? I thought we were talking about a brief visit.

Which is what we thought last time. Remember? I arrived and he was all charm until he managed to confiscate my ticket home.

He sighed. Because he thought it was best for you.

Arianna prickled with resentment because it was not what her father had thought at all. It was what had worked best for him once it was made known that Jason Barton of the Charleston Bartons wanted to marry her. To be connected to the wealthy and powerful family was what had been important to him. Not her. It had never been her.

Is there anything you’re not telling me that you ought? he asked reluctantly.

She hated lying to him, and she suspected it showed all over her face. No, she replied anyway.

He pursed his lips.

So when do we leave for Africa? she asked cheerfully.

My dear girl, it is a long, difficult journey to a hot and very dangerous place.

She nodded. So was Bombay and Cairo and—

He grinned. Is this argument supposed to wear me down?

It’s not an argument, she wheedled. "It’s fact. When have we ever cared about long, difficult journeys to hot, dangerous places? We’re adventurers. Oh, please! I want to go."

Arianna, there is a time for a young woman to give up wild adventures in exchange for something calmer and more…well, domestic.

She crossed her arms. And yet you did not raise me to be a governess.

He tossed back his head in laughter. No, I suppose I didn’t. Alright then, we’ll go as soon as I can make arrangements. It will be soon, he warned. In a day or so.

She squealed and clapped her hands together, then got to her feet and dashed around the desk to kiss his cheek. Thank you!

Go and write to your father.

I’ll go do it right now.

"And perhaps you should see that Derringer fellow? Hmm? Let him know?"

Yes, of course. I’ll tell him. She started from the room tingling with excitement but turned back at the door. Uncle Sully?

Yes?

What was the child’s name?

Sebastian.

Sebastian, she repeated softly. Can you imagine the life he’s had, if the story is true?

Not really, no. I’m fervently hoping that Emerson will consent to go. I’ve written him and explained the situation. Asked him to come join.

She nodded. Not only was John Emerson one of the best anthropologists in the country, but he was one of the kindest and most astute men she’d ever known. I hope he will. He would be perfect if the man can be found.

Sully picked up his pipe again. The question in my mind is whether a wild man can be brought back into civilization?

Arianna pondered it. I wonder if he realizes he’s a man, or does he think he is one of the apes?

Some say we are cousins, you know, Sully said, striking a match.

Arianna grinned and then went to her room to see to the necessary correspondences. First, she wrote notes to Patience and Marshall and sent them out with Mr. Murrow, their man, as Patience frequently put it. Mr. Murrow was well into his seventies and beyond all good use, but he’d become part of the family and would live ‘in service’ at Somersly for the rest of his days although, in truth, they did more waiting on him than the other way around.

The letter to her father was a more difficult task. He was an awkward figure in her life and always had been. Early in her life, he’d pursued commerce diligently. When her mother died after a brief illness, he’d been at a loss as to what to do with her. Raymond, her elder brother or more accurately, her half-brother worked alongside him so at almost seventeen years of age, he posed no complications. She, however, needed more attention than he could provide. She also needed the guidance of a lady, he insisted.

When he decided she was to go live with his sister in New York, she’d felt sick. Her few memories of her Aunt Vera were not happy ones and New York was a world away. Then, Sully had shown up like a godsend. Sullivan Vinson, the renowned photographer who’d traveled the world was also warm and amusing and caring. She’d adored him from the first.

When he offered guardianship, her father leapt at the idea, especially when Sully explained custody would be shared with his elder brother and sister- in-law. That arrangement not only provided her the influence of a lady, but a family of nobility. Lord and Lady Vinson of Muirhead Hall in Oxford also had a home in London where Arianna would enjoy each season and eventually have her own coming out. This had sealed the arrangement in her father’s eyes.

Ari rose from her desk and meandered to the window, pulling back the curtain to peer out over the same view she’d cherished for the last ten years.

To the east, some hundred yards back, was the pond, which shimmered brilliantly. To the west were the gardens and tennis court. Yes, at the moment the grass was tall, but she even loved that. It waved in the breeze, changing colors. It was a sea of greens and yellows and, above that, the simple majesty of Queen Anne’s lace seemed to float, nodding in approval. Arianna treasured the view. She treasured her home and her friends and her life.

She didn’t actually dislike her father, but nor could she say she loved him. And after the last trip home, she certainly didn’t trust him. She would have gladly made time for him here, but he didn’t care enough about seeing her to embark on such a journey. It was ridiculous that that still bothered her as much as it did, but it couldn’t be helped or she would have already done it.

Maybe it was a dreadful thing, but she did wish he would jump in a lake. Repeatedly. Not to drown, of course, but just to get good and wet and muddy and cold—and then be occupied drying off instead of bothering her.

Two

Oh, Arianna, Mrs. Herbin scolded as she walked into Ari’s bedroom the next morning, frowning at the haphazard piles of clothing spread out upon the bed. They weren’t even folded crisply, and after she’d ironed them. Why don’t you let me do this?

Because you always over pack.

I do not! Oh, perhaps on occasion I have packed somewhat heavily, but I won’t this time.

Ari donned a sad expression. You always say that, but then you always do. Beautifully, I will admit. Far more beautifully than I am capable. But the problem is I will have to spend just as much time unpacking all the unnecessary things and repacking the necessary ones as it would have taken to pack in the first place.

It’s not right, a young lady doing her own packing.

Ari grinned. It’s sensible, she cajoled.

Mrs. Herbin folded her arms stubbornly. You are getting to the age, Arianna, where you should consider being less sensible and more correct.

Ari struggled to contain the burst of laughter that wanted escape.

The housekeeper eyed the items Ari was bringing. Where is your nightgown? And your robe?

I’m not bringing them. The horrified look on Mrs. Herbin’s face was too much and Arianna gave in to her merriment. I’ll sleep in that, she explained gesturing to a chemise. It’s light and doesn’t take up much room. Where we’re going is quite warm and you have to understand how far our trunks are going to be lugged.

Oh, I know how far! Halfway round the world, where no young lady belongs.

I will have a tent to myself—

A tent, Mrs. Herbin scoffed.

And no one will see me. It’s not as if I’ll be having cozy chats at night wearing my nightgown and robe. I must keep the weight of my luggage to a minimum.

Mrs. Herbin clucked her tongue and folded her hands on her stomach. We can discuss this later. I came to tell you that Mr. Derringer is here.

Ari huffed. Why didn’t you say so?

I just did, didn’t I?

Ari shook her head as she started from the room.

He’s in the library, Mrs. Herbin said over her shoulder.

After you, Ari said from the door.

Mrs. Herbin turned to her with a scowl.

Come on, Ari coaxed. I know you. You’ll have three trunks neatly packed and ready to go by the time I get back, two and half of which I will not need.

Reluctantly, Mrs. Herbin vacated the room. It is better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it, she cautioned.

Why does that have a familiar ring to it? Ari mused. Could it be I’ve heard it a hundred times before?

Apparently, it’s not gotten through your head yet, Mrs. Herbin rejoined as Ari shut the door behind her.

Ari planted a kiss on the housekeeper’s soft cheek and walked on. She reached the staircase and sailed down the stairs, mentally bracing herself for seeing Marshall. He was not going to like her going, but it was her life. How many opportunities like this would come her way?

Marshall’s back was to her as she entered the library, his head cocked just so as he perused some titles on the shelf, but he turned when he heard her footsteps. Hello, she greeted.

Hello, he returned, coming forward to meet her. I got your message.

Yes, she said unnecessarily, suddenly dreading the impending conversation. He reached her and kissed her cheek. He was handsome—even if his lips were a bit on the full side. Brown hair, six feet tall—he looked as English as he was. As a rather spoiled only son, he had an almost regal air, which frequently rubbed her the wrong way. Their courtship, if it could be called that, had been disturbingly informal from his perspective, while entirely too formal from hers. It had also probably gone on long enough. Still, to sever the tie altogether—

Are you well? he asked.

Of course. And you?

Fit as a fiddle. He paused. I’ve been mulling something over. I think, perhaps, the same thing you were planning on discussing with me.

The statement puzzled her. Oh? What’s that?

Going to Charleston together.

A sense of dread flooded her system. I decided not to go to Charleston, she said haltingly.

Obviously this was not the reaction he’d anticipated. His expression darkened and his mouth tightened. Really? he asked in a flat voice. I’d thought it rather definite.

I’m sure my father thinks it is, but I don’t want to go. I see no reason for it whatsoever.

What if there was a reason?

She experienced a curious panic. But there’s not, she replied quickly. Plus something else has come up.

He looked aggravated. What? Not Egypt again, he said nastily.

No. It was ridiculous how uneasy she felt about saying it. Africa.

"You must be joking, he exclaimed. Really, Arianna, this is madness!"

It’s not madness at all. It is an…utterly unique situation and a once in a lifetime adventure.

Aren’t they all?

You don’t understand. This is different.

So, tell me!

She crossed her arms, disturbed by his indignation and his proprietary stance. Nevertheless, she would explain the situation clearly and calmly. A man has been spotted, a wild, white man who lives in the jungle among gorillas, she began. It’s possible he was abandoned when he was only a small child and has somehow survived against all odds.

That’s preposterous, he scoffed.

I know how it sounds, but Charles North is there and has seen him. This expedition is backed by the Royal Society and The British Museum. It is not preposterous.

He shook his head, at a momentary loss for what to say. Even so…I don’t see how you belong there!

It’s not a question of whether I belong there or not. Because of Uncle Sully, I have the opportunity. It will be the adventure of a lifetime!

Haven’t I heard that before? he asked irritably.

This she refused to address. She’d done enough explaining.

How long would you be gone?

His phrasing did not go unnoticed. How long would you be gone instead of how long will you be gone? Which is because he thought she could still be talked out of it. She uncrossed her arms and tried to relax her stance. Three months perhaps. The journey itself takes three weeks or so.

You’ll miss the entire season, he complained.

I will, yes.

Which you don’t care about at all, do you? he demanded accusingly.

She hesitated. Not particularly. No.

His eyes narrowed. Do you ever want to settle down, Arianna?

Her throat tightened. Of course. One day.

Marry? Have children?