by Ted Bader
Henry Westbrook approached Kitty and said, “Your bonnet and scarf are quite handsome. Did you buy them or make them?”
Kitty bashfully replied, “I bought them, sir.” She began coughing, rose, and excused herself from the room.
As Georgiana approached, Thomas inquired of Henry, “Tell me how your studies are going at Cambridge.”
“I have one more semester to finish and then I hope to take holy orders and find a living. As you know, second sons of gentlemen have few options. Since we do not inherit the estate, we can be soldiers, sailors, teachers or clergymen. I am too slow physically to be a good officer; and as to teaching, I would rather teach morals than history or mathematics, since morals have such an important impact on all other aspects of our lives.”
Georgiana replied, “I agree entirely.”
Thomas nodded in assent. Kitty returned to the group and asked Henry, “Pray, Mr. Westbrook, tell me about your estate.”
He replied, “Please call me Henry.” She nodded her assent and he continued, “It is not as grand as Pemberley, but larger than your average gentleman’s estate in Derbyshire. The house is as large as Pemberley House, but we have only half the land. . . . How long will you be here Miss Bennet?”
“I am uncertain.” Kitty went over to her father, Mr. Bennet, and asked, “May we stay at Pemberley for several months?”
“Something’s caught your eye, eh?” her father replied with a half serious grin and continued, “Shall I need to remain to chaperone you?”
“Oh, how awful father,” Kitty replied and coughed again.
Seeing her hurt expression he said reassuringly, “I am only engaging in a diversion. I see no militia men here that will whisk you off for an elopement.”
“Be serious father,” replied Kitty.
“Your mother and I must return within a week, but if your sister and Mr. Darcy do not object, I see no reason why you could not stay here a month or two.”
“Oh! Thank you, father,” was Kitty’s delighted reply.
Mr. Henry Westbrook approached his mother the Countess and asked, “May we invite the Bennets and Staleys to our estate for a ball?”
The Countess replied, “Of course, my son. It will help relieve some of the boredom we endure here before returning to London.” Turning to her elder son, she asked, “What is this I hear about Mr. Thomas Staley working in the fields last summer at Staley Manor?”
“I cannot believe the rumor is true, Mamma,” said her older son, who as he spoke, pulled out a handkerchief to pat his face. Continuing, “A gentleman should never work, and I, for one, desire never to do so.”
“Have Mr. Thomas Staley brought over here to explain himself,” the Countess said in a commanding tone. Hearing this, Thomas approached her and sat down.
“Thomas, is this true you worked in the fields of Staley Manor last summer?”
“What do you mean by work? Surely a gentleman needs to be out during the harvest of his estate?”
“I do not mean supervision of the tenants. I mean actual field work and cutting of the wheat. Using the scythe and sickle and all that,” she replied.
“I cannot deny that I have done so. Hard work makes me feel so much more alive.”
“You should get your exercise by fencing or some such sporting thing. The tenants need to understand their class; only by the gentry staying aloof will the lower classes remain respectful.”
“What? And have the harvest go bad, my lady? We have a labor shortage, with many of the tenants moving to Ashton to work in the cotton mills.”
Georgiana became anxious about Thomas having to defend himself before the Countess.
Jane sensed this and tried to soften the conversation by saying, “Let me apply to Mr. Darcy. Surely, Ma’am, he can arbitrate this. His family has descended from the D’arcys of Norman times, the original gentility.”
“What do you say, Mr. Darcy?”
“I must warn you, I have a strong opinion on the subject,” Mr. Darcy replied and paused. “Pray continue,” the Countess said.
“While it is true that the principal definition of a gentleman is that he does not have to work, this definition does not prohibit such action. I, myself, like to supervise the estate.”
“Well, certainly no one objects to ‘working’ in that sense. Our large manors need supervision just as we need the House of Lords to help govern the nation.”
“I would not limit it only to that, my lady. I worked in the fields, sometimes, when I was Thomas’ age for the sheer joy of doing so. It helped me to understand the tenants.”
“The tenants do not need to be understood,” the Countess barked. “They need to do their work and pay their respect.”
Mr. Darcy, tiring of the duel, walked away during the last statement.
Georgiana continued to be quiet. She was reticent in such company. However, the provision of such information helped her understand why her brother was so well liked and respected by the tenants of Pemberley. He had condescended to work among them and by doing so had earned their respect. Georgiana could see that Thomas enjoyed the jousting between Mr. Darcy and the Countess; both Mr. Darcy and his opponent were strong personalities that most people found difficult to contradict.
Not letting up, the Countess turned once again to Thomas and said, “Are you involved with those religious dissenters?”
“Do you mean the Methodists?’
“Are they not all the same? They all disagree with the true church of England,” she replied.
“I should think not. The Methodists are not outlandish like the Clapham Sect, for example.”
“Do not try to divide and conquer me young man,” she ordered. “Tell me your position.”
“My family has been involved in Methodism for a long time. John Wesley, himself, visited Staley Hall in 1745. But as you know, since he lived during your lifetime, he did not desire to start a new church, but merely to reform the church of England. He died a church priest.”
With a frown she said, “I never liked John Wesley. He was always preaching to the masses and riff-raff. He has guilt by association with the lower classes.”
“Do you not consider it likely, ma’am, that his revivals with the masses of England probably prevented a replication of the French Revolution from occurring here? Indeed, you may owe your head to him.”
The Countess flushed with anger at the reference to the guillotine and continued the offensive, “Enough of John Wesley. Are you or are you not a melancholy Methodist?”
“I am not certain. I attend the Sunday morning services at the parish church and the Methodist society during the week. I do not know if I believe either.”
Several gasps went up from the group. Caroline Bingley sneered, “Do you mean to say you are a faithless, nonbeliever? Is this what dabbling in non-conformity has done to you? Someone who may even become a heretic?”
Georgiana’s heart sank. She was developing such respect for Thomas; but, now, his questioning of Christianity had the potential to grievously injure her opinion of him.
“I did not say the doctrines are untrue. I merely said I am uncertain whether I should believe them. For example, Christmas will be here in two days. The Christian doctrine says that the incarnation occurred; or, in other words, that God became a man and dwelt among us. If that is so, then it is an awesome doctrine and the most important historical event ever to occur. If I should submit to these ideas, I think they would make me more radical than the average yawn the doctrines seem to elicit from many in the Church of England.”
“My son, do not mistake quiet thinking with weak faith,” she said.
Mr. Darcy had heard the entire inquisition by the Countess and returned to the conversation circle. Elizabeth turned to him and asked, “And what do you think, Mr. Darcy?”
“I do not b
lame Mr. Thomas Staley for his position. I think it is good if a young man is skeptical of his faith. Eventually, it will either make him a much better Christian or an honest sinner,” he finished.
Mr. Darcy, as always, was a hard man to contradict. This statement seemed to end the discussion about religion and Thomas’ role in it.
While Georgiana admired Thomas’ pluck, she was uneasy about some of his statements. She did not worry about his leanings towards Methodism. What worried her was his doubt of the doctrines. How could someone who had grown up with her be skeptical of such verities?
Mrs. Jane Bingley, sensing the discomfort of the Darcys, stood up and proposed, “Come, let us play whist. Who is going to play cards?”
Mr. and Mrs. Bingley formed a table with Mr. Henry Westbrook and Miss Bennet while Miss Bingley joined Lord Westbrook, Mrs. Bennet, and the Countess. The four older men chose to sit by the fire leaving Mrs. and Miss Darcy sitting by Thomas Staley.
In a lowered voice, Mrs. Darcy said, “Do not let the Countess bother you Thomas; she is insufferable to everyone, including me. If I had an opening, I should have liked to defend you.”
Thomas replied, “Do not let it vex you, Mrs. Darcy. I find I must be truthful about these things and, if I am attacked for such a position, so be it. I must say, however, I enjoyed your husband’s responses.”
Georgiana was relieved at Elizabeth’s opinion of the conversation between the Countess and Thomas. She also admired Thomas’ courage for not fretting about the opinions of others.
The evening wore on. Finally, after two games of whist, Mr. Bingley jumped up and went to Mr. Darcy and said loudly, “Let us liven up the party with a dance!” He looked at his wife, Jane, who smiled in agreement. Bingley nudged Mr. Darcy again, “Come on, old man, let us dance with our brides!”
Mr. Darcy smiled and asked leave of his fellows. He approached Elizabeth and took her hand as she stood. They turned to ask Georgiana if she wanted to play the pianoforte or dance. Before she could answer, Mr. Bingley, who had followed Mr. Darcy over to where Elizabeth and Georgiana were sitting, said, “She must dance. My own sister, Caroline, will play for us tonight.” Georgiana turned and looked to Thomas for help; he immediately strode over to ask her to dance.
Henry Westbrook asked Catherine Bennet to round out the foursome and the party was gay for some time. Later, even the young Lord Westbrook danced with Miss Bingley and once with Kitty Bennet, but then he sat down and declared it too much exertion. Georgiana observed more than passing interest between Kitty and Mr. Henry Westbrook during their dancing.
She heard Henry say to Kitty, “How long will you be visiting Pemberley?” and her reply of “At least one month.”
“This is a very fine estate for you to visit.”
“Yes,” she replied, “and I find the company interesting.”
“We shall want you to visit Westbrook manor sometime this month. We are only five miles away.”
Georgiana was pleased that Henry showed interest in Kitty and that Miss Bennet seemed to return his attention.
Chapter Five
Christmas morning came to Pemberley. Georgiana was glad to have the house fuller than it had been in a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley brought a happy atmosphere with them. Mr. Bennet’s sly comments about life balanced out Mrs. Bennet’s silly comments. Mrs. Bennet continued in awe of Mr. Darcy and seldom said anything in front of him.
With Kitty no longer asking questions about Thomas, Georgiana ceased feeling there was any distance between Kitty and herself. Georgiana was glad to see her loving sister, Elizabeth, as the bridge with all of the visitors. It was both a pleasure and a learning experience for her to observe Elizabeth’s encouragement and lively repartee with her family and friends. Even Miss Bingley talked nicely to Elizabeth and remained friendly.
Two days after Christmas, the servant brought a letter to her. She took the letter and went to her room and read:
Dear Georgiana,
Do not be alarmed at the conversation after
the dinner party about my beliefs or lack of them
at the present time.
I want to believe in the Christian doctrines,
but feel unable to do so at present. I hope my
asking, seeking and knocking will be rewarded
someday.
We did not have time to talk extensively.
As you know, I wish to attend college. I am
hoping for an assistanceship from the
library at Cambridge that will allow me to
attend the next session. Otherwise, I may need
to leave Derbyshire to seek work.
I dare not promise to write. Men are such
poor letter writers. What women will write
a page about, a man will write only one sen-
tence. My warmest regards to your family.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Something about the letter touched Georgiana. She was pleased that Thomas would write and show concern for her opinion of him. She read the letter many times and then placed it in a drawer where she kept her valuables. She was uncertain about her feelings for Thomas. Was this love? Even after thinking about it at length, she remained undecided. She esteemed his intelligence and amiability. She concluded he was, at the least, a good friend. Her thinking was diverted by thankfulness that the loneliness of Pemberley was being filled with friends and family.
She wrote the following reply to Thomas:
Dear Thomas,
Your letter arrived today. I am try-
ing to understand your heart seeking for the
truth. I will pray for you--that you will be
guided into understanding which will help you
accept our religion. Perhaps, we can discuss
this further in the future.
I trust you will be able to attend
Cambridge and not have to delay your educa-
tion. I know how important this is to you.
As you know, a ball is being planned next
week at the Westbrook Manor. I hope you
will be able to attend; your presence always
makes me feel more comfortable at social affairs.
Regardless, I remain,
Your friend,
Georgiana
The day for the planned ball dawned and it began to snow lightly. By breakfast time, only an inch or two had fallen; however, the skies appeared uncertain. At the breakfast table, Kitty worried, “I suppose this will mean our ball is canceled tonight?”
Mr. Darcy replied, “In view of the storms effect on the older among us, I believe the Westbrooks are likely to postpone their ball.”
Elizabeth said, “I am certain the young people will be quite disappointed. Perhaps, some other activity could be substituted for them.”
“Dear Brother, would a sleigh ride be possible?” Georgiana asked.
“Excellent idea,” cried Caroline Bingley.
All eyes focused on Mr. Darcy.
“Will you allow it?” Elizabeth asked.
Mr. Darcy finally smiled and said, “This can probably be arranged; however, should the storm, which appears mild now, turn to bitter cold or blowing snow, we shall have to cancel it.”
Servants were sent to the adjoining manors and returned with favorable replies for the sleigh ride. It was agreed that if the weather turned more severe it would not take place. The plans called for the young people to gather at Pemberley and the Westbrook brothers should bring their three seat sleigh.
At the appointed time of four o’clock, the Westbrooks arrived with their sleigh, and Thomas came soon after. Only three inches of snow had fallen, but a light snow continued, without any wind.
As they all ga
thered in the entrance hall, Caroline Bingley said, “How delightful this shall be, a sleigh ride in the country. I anticipate how jealous my friends in London will be.”
Georgiana said, “Now, are we all bundled up enough?”
Elizabeth, who was standing nearby, spoke up, “In addition to your coats, we have some very warm lap robes that you may use.”
As the young people assembled in the area outside the entrance doors, a silent drama took place. The young women had thought much about their respective positions in the sleigh; and the men, evidently, less so. Kitty looked imploringly at Henry Westbrook who decided to ask her to sit with him in the middle seat. That being settled, Thomas had little desire to sit with Miss Bingley or Lord Westbrook and was inclined by friendship to ask Georgiana to sit with him in the back seat. This left Caroline Bingley with her desired choice, Lord Westbrook; she went up to him and took his arm saying, “Well, my lord, that leaves us to take the front seat.”
Lord Westbrook, whose face appeared to never have thought about the relative positions in the sleigh, readily consented with, “It will be a pleasure, Miss Bingley. I hope the front seat is not too cold for you.”
“Come, come, Lord Westbrook. I shall be fine,” she replied.
In a minute they were off. Georgiana enjoyed the gentle gliding of the sleigh over the new snow. She liked having Thomas at her side. Despite her misgivings about his religious devotion, he was a childhood friend whom she trusted and with whom she could easily converse.
“Do you like the ride so far?” Thomas inquired of her.
“Oh, yes, very much so. I like having an occasional snowflake land on my face; and do you, Thomas?”
“I agree. Being out like this makes me feel very alive. Each season needs to be sensed at its best expression, and I think we are experiencing the very essence of winter.” After a few moments, Thomas called forward to the next seat, “Henry, where have you told your driver to take us?”
