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Desire and Duty: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Page 13

by Ted Bader


  Georgiana replied, “Only once. The one I saw was held in a window, but the design is roughly similar.”

  The sound died and restarted twice. Thomas picked up a loose roof tile and placed it over the opening during the sound, causing it to cease. Andrew and John had to each repeat the exercise before they were satisfied that the mystery had been solved.

  “The bricks appear to have fallen out as the mortar decayed,” Georgiana ventured.

  “I would agree with that observation. That would explain why the sound has only been heard recently.”

  At that moment, a strong gust with pelting raindrops hit the group causing a retreat to the lean to. The rain was intermittent, lasting only ten to fifteen seconds at a time. Andrew and John edged over to a rampart on their knees to watch the lake in the sporadic moonlight. Georgiana looked at Thomas and felt, for the first time in her life, that she was truly in love with him. She wished she could say something to fix his interest on her. After all, he stated he was uncertain of her feelings! She felt herself blush and was ashamed that words failed her. She put out her right hand to straighten her dress and it bumped Thomas’ left hand.

  He turned, looked into her face, and gently grasped her hand. He did not let it go. She saw his eyes full of love for her and she smiled in response. She knew he was unlikely to say anything, due to the inhibiting presence of the boys.

  Her heart was full of requited love. She wished she could always stay here. It seemed so cozy. She felt so safe and secure sitting next to him. She realized how strong his hand and arm felt, yet how gently he held her hand.

  The boys were preoccupied with peering over the rampart. She was confident in the faded moonlight that, when they looked back in the storm, they could not see the details of the clasped hands. In her remembrances later, Georgiana felt the time lasted for hours; but, she knew in reality, it lasted only ten minutes, when Thomas said, “Much as I regret it, we better return before the storm worsens.”

  The boys concurred, though Georgiana was in no hurry. They rose and retraced their steps to the landing outside Thomas’ door. The boys continued to go down the stairs leaving Thomas to gaze in the dim light, once more, into her face and touch her hand. She returned the gaze with the best expression of love she could muster.

  “Come on, auntie,” Andrew shouted after he had walked down enough stairs to be out of her sight. She reluctantly took one last look at Thomas, let go of his hand and went down the stairs.

  Thomas Staley

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next morning, Georgiana awoke with strongly mixed feelings. She was vexed that her last day at Pemberley would be consumed with final preparations for the trip to London. She was irritated at having consented to Lady Catherine’s wishes to attend court once more, yet glad her promise was limited to two months--two months! an eternity away from Pemberley, with Thomas here. Oh, that she had refused Lady Catherine! She could still stand up and refuse to go to London, and send her regrets; but then she would need a reason for doing so. She was not ready to make any announcement nor did she wish to risk any fledgling love with Thomas by trying to hurry their relationship along. No, as disappointing as it was, she would have to abide by her word as a gentlewoman and go. Duty would take priority over desire.

  Her positive feelings were those of a woman in love. She recalled the hand caresses from the night before and enjoyed the passion they evoked. Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought again of the statement in his poem about feeling unworthy of her; perhaps, he would slip away during her two month absence! Maybe she would never see him again! What if he should leave for another three years? Surely not; the letter was written before last night. He must now be much more certain that her love reflected his.

  She got up, determined to do her work for the trip as quickly as possible. She and Thomas did not say much during the breakfast time. She was at a loss how to encourage him, until midmorning, as she was packing her new yellow gown. She decided to put it on and visit the schoolroom. Her maid complained of the slowness of packing as she helped her dress. Georgiana left the dressing room feeling very elegant as she walked down the corridor with her ball gown on. She nudged the door to the school room open. Maria spotted her, ran and brought her into the room, saying in a loud voice, “Introducing Lady Darcy from Pemberley Hall!”

  Thomas looked up, stood, and smiled. Georgiana saw his smile and focused on his face as she entered.

  Maria came over to Thomas and said in a lower voice, “Is she not the most elegant woman you have ever seen, Mr. Staley?”

  “Yes, Maria, without a contest,” he replied.

  “I knew I would interrupt your teaching, but I came anyway to show you my best gown for London.”

  “I am delighted that you came,” replied Thomas.

  “Come, Miss Darcy,” her maid chided from the doorway, “we need to finish getting you ready.”

  Maria observed that Thomas seemed distracted for the rest of the day. He dismissed school somewhat early.

  Dinner came. Again, Thomas and Georgiana were very quiet. After dinner, Georgiana played several numbers on the harp. Even though the whole family was present, she played only for Thomas, who remained focused on her during the entire performance.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next morning Georgiana felt nervous and anxious about leaving. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy came out to the coach along with Thomas and the children. Adieus and promises of being missed by the Darcy family were made.

  Thomas handed her into the carriage. As it drove away with Georgiana and her maid, Georgiana looked back and saw Thomas gazing at her intently. She fixed her eyes on him as long as possible. She was delighted that he met and responded to her gaze. When he faded from view, she suddenly realized that she had failed to obtain or give any promise about letter writing from Thomas. Since they had not yet used the word “love”, it might have been broached in a letter! As a lady, she could not write him first; no, she would have to wait. She could write her nephews in a tone, or with references, that would cause them to show the letter to Thomas. Perhaps that would stimulate him to write her; if not, communicating by proxy would be better than no word at all.

  Her thoughts wandered to his letter again. Why does Thomas feel unworthy towards me? He has nothing to be ashamed of as a scholar and gentleman. He is the second son of a baronet--a position not as high as the Darcy family held--but still a decent, respectable standing for a gentleman; certainly, nothing that would cause embarrassment for him or her should they become more serious. His Christian faith was no longer a barrier between them; in fact, she felt he understood many aspects of living a Christian life better than she. Perhaps he was concerned because he limped with his left leg on occasion. Georgiana knew that men were quite proud about their physical abilities. Thomas had compensated by developing unusually strong shoulders and she felt very secure around him. After all, her beloved Phillip limped on occasion and she loved Phillip all the more for it; she would do the same for Thomas.

  No, it must be that he was substantially poorer than she. Though Staley Hall had never been as grand as Pemberley, its fortune had rapidly declined over the past sixteen years. Perhaps he felt the sting of “having to work” to make his way in life and help his father; but what was wrong with being a tutor and eventually a teacher at Cambridge? Since he would not inherit Staley Hall, his income was forecast to be modest. She did not care about the character of his wealth, but the wealth of his character. She concluded by accepting the thought that Thomas felt unworthy because of his lack of riches. She would have to think how to address the issue without offending him. Indeed, she would be quite happy to exist on a modest income with a loving man of such good character. These thoughts occupied Georgiana’s mind for the remainder of the trip.

  The following day would bring her to the Darcy home in London. It had been almost ten years since she had
stayed regularly in London. She missed it very little. Between the pea-soup fog that smelled of horses, coal and other harsh smells, and the requisite social visitation that was almost as obnoxious as the air at times, she had little cause to rejoice.

  Nevertheless, she would fulfill her agreement to her aunt once and for all. Lady Catherine was also planning to stay at the Darcy home in London. Georgiana looked with trepidation to interaction with her aunt, particularly without the presence of Elizabeth to shield her.

  Her heart was sheltered and protected by her certain love of Thomas. Lady Catherine might introduce her to princes or dukes, but she would not worry about losing her heart. Thomas already possessed her affection.

  She arrived at the home on Grosvenor Street and was shown into Lady Catherine’s presence. “It is good of you to attend the season in London with me. I am so proud of my niece--I shall display you everywhere!”

  Georgiana had not expected such a warm welcome from her usually dictatorial aunt. Her elderly relative appeared unusually tired and less regal than normal. “Thank you, Lady Catherine I have come to stay the two months as agreed.”

  “You need stay no longer than your promise; but, I daresay, when you become involved again, you may decide life at court is not so bad after all.”

  Georgiana chose not to respond directly to the last statement, looked around and asked, “Is the pianoforte I used to play still here?”

  “Yes, it is behind you. I had it tuned for your visit.” Lady Catherine resumed, “As you know, the large ball is to be at St. James’ court in three days. I have taken the liberty to obtain box seats at the theater tomorrow evening. I hope you will feel well enough to go?”

  Georgiana was intrigued by the theater, since it appealed to her artistic interest and usually involved very little social conversation. She asked, “What is the title of the performance?”

  “Romeo and Juliet. Will you go?”

  The play was well known to her, of course. The subject might offer a vicarious expression of her own feelings and, perhaps, lessen the trapped sensation she felt in London.

  “Yes, I think I shall go.”

  Arriving at the theater the following evening, Georgiana was impressed at the deference shown her aunt as they were escorted to their box. She had forgotten how esteemed Lady Catherine was in society. Her aunt took every opportunity of introducing her niece. Georgiana was thankful that she merely had to curtsey many times and was not required to say anything beyond greetings. The looks of reverence, in those she was introduced to, made her increasingly uncomfortable. On her last prolonged stay in London, ten years ago with her aunt, she did not appreciate the social station of the de Bourgh’s.

  Upon entering their box, the Earl of Westbrook (formerly Lord Alfred Westbrook) and his wife the Countess (the former Caroline Bingley) rose to greet them. The Countess asked, “Georgiana, how is your family and that sly brother of yours, Mr. Darcy?”

  After the expected answers and inquiries, they sat down to watch the play. Georgiana thought about Caroline’s intensity with social climbing. Despite recognizing the former son of the Earl as a fop, Miss Bingley inclined herself to marry him--particularly when it became obvious that the Earl, his father, would soon die. The focus on marrying to obtain a title was repugnant to Georgiana. She was so glad her brother had chosen Elizabeth, rather than be ensnared by Miss Bingley.

  The performance was excellent. Georgiana’s heart soared during the lovers’ vows in scene two, and fell with the final tragedy.

  The next morning, Georgiana awoke thinking about the play. She was glad to imagine that her family would not oppose marriage to Thomas, should their love progress that far. Her principle guardian, even though she was now of age, was still her brother; and he only wished what she wanted. Lady Catherine might have something to say, but her ultimate protection would be under Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.

  “Miss Darcy, you are wanted by Lady Catherine in the breakfast parlor--it is already mid-morning,” her maid said.

  Arriving at the table, her aunt said, “Come and sit down. You must have something to eat before we go shopping. We shall Londonize ourselves.”

  Georgiana was astonished that her aunt would go shopping, even with her niece, and replied, “I have never seen you go shopping. I assumed that the salesmen came to you.”

  “That is not always the case. We have fine shops here on Oxford Street and a lot of time can be saved by going to them. We must have the latest fashion.”

  The shopping expedition surprised and pleased Georgiana. Her aunt seemed quite pleasant when focused on objects, rather than controlling people. She would, however, sometimes cause the shopkeepers to cringe with her matriarchal stare.

  In examining shoes, Georgiana favored a pair of low cut slippers with willow green lace around the instep and ankle.

  “The shoes are elegant, my dear niece,” Lady Catherine said. “With the fashionable hemline for women your age being above the ankles, we must find embroidered white stockings as well.” Glancing over the selection, she held up a pair, “Will these do?”

  Georgiana took them and smiled in assent.

  “Now, let us pick out a bonnet that will reflect your beauty. You said your dress was a light yellow, did you not?”

  “Yes.”

  “Show us some yellow bonnets,” her aunt ordered (she seldom asked) the salesman. After looking at six or seven, Georgiana focused on the Jonquil colored hat for a minute.

  “Is that what you want?” her aunt asked.

  “It is the most beautiful bonnet I have ever seen,” cried Georgiana.

  “Then it is yours. You must have the best clothes for the ball tomorrow night. I want the whole world to see the beauty of my niece.”

  As they continued shopping, her aunt helped select a Kashmir shawl, long gloves, a reticule (which matched her shoes) and, of course, a fan.

  Returning home, Lady Catherine said, “Please come to my room.” Once there, her aunt opened a jewelry box and pulled out an exquisite diamond necklace. “This was my mother’s, and her mother’s before that. I want to give it to you.”

  Georgiana gasped and said, “I shall be happy to wear it tomorrow night, but you must not give it to me! It is too precious!”

  “No, family heirlooms must stay in the family. I shall not be happy unless you say you will keep it and pass it on to your daughter or relative.”

  Georgiana was genuinely moved with the generous gift on top of all she had received that day. For the first time in her life, she moved forward and hugged her aunt.

  Falling asleep that night, she wondered if she had misjudged the character of her aunt.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next afternoon, Georgiana wrote a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. She enclosed a separate note to their children that read:

  Dear Andrew, John and Maria,

  I am enjoying London better than I anticipated. Lady Catherine is in an unexpected amiable mood. Your great aunt and I went shopping yesterday. She obtained beautiful shoes and accessories for me, which I will show you later.

  Our first evening out, we attended Romeo and Juliet at the national theater. The most interesting scene for you would have been in Act II. Show Mr. Staley this letter and he will explain the scene to you.

  I miss you. Everyone at Pemberley must write me or I shall be most lonely here.

  Sincerely yours,

  Aunt Georgiana

  Georgiana thought her last sentence would give Thomas a clue to write her, without going beyond the bounds of propriety.

  The following afternoon, she began to prepare for the ball. As she was dressing, her hands began to shake a little and her stomach felt nauseated. It dawned on her that she was anxious over the ball that night; hers was not a happy anxiety, looking forward to a wonderful event, but a dread of the evening!
She felt an increasing reluctance to converse in strange circles. She had an ever-present fear of appearing awkward in dance or elegant movement. After all, it had been ten years since she attended St. James’ Court. She had been so happy to stay at Pemberley and live the country life with her family in Derbyshire.

  Evening came. Lady Catherine led Georgiana into one of the most magnificent carriages she had ever seen. The bright red line on the black carriage matched the red and black livery of the footmen.

  “How do you feel now that we are approaching St. James’?” Lady Catherine inquired of her niece.

  “To be honest, I am quite nervous.”

  “Nonsense. I have no doubt you shall give the Darcy name honor. Your gown is magnificent and the accessories we selected enhance your natural beauty.”

  The coach stopped. As Georgiana stepped out behind her aunt, she saw many elegant carriages. Splendid scarlet clad cavalry paraded by atop jet black horses. Trumpets sounded! They were escorted by footmen, who walked with a synchronized cadence, up the stairs to the entrance of the grand hall. Georgiana could hear soft orchestra music. She was also greeted with a pleasant mixture of fragrances, perfume and prepared food, as she ascended the stairs to the magnificent doorway.

  At the top of the stairs, Georgiana saw three hundred or more gaily dressed people. Suddenly, she heard a shout, “Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Kent!” Conversation became hushed in the hall as many of the crowd turned to watch her aunt descend the stairs before her. Georgiana was so engrossed with the awed response of the crowd to her aunt, that she was startled when a voice near her cried, “Miss Darcy from Derbyshire!”

  Georgiana took a deep breath and began walking down the stairs, about ten feet behind her aunt. Reaching the bottom of the fifteen stairs, her aunt began introducing Georgiana to lords and ladies. They soon came upon the Countess of Westbrook who said, “Miss Darcy, you look simply astonishing tonight. How are you doing?”

 

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