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

by Ted Bader

  “Thank you, Reverend. God bless you,” Mrs. Smith replied weakly.

  As the threesome walked away from the cottage, Kitty commented, “I have never seen such wretchedness. It gave me a good feeling as we were leaving to see a fire warming the cottage, the baby sleeping and Lucy with a clean face and dress.” Kitty moved to take Georgiana’s arm and said to her, “Oh! Georgiana, how shall I ever thank you for helping to open my eyes!”

  For the remaining six weeks of her stay, Kitty continued to visit the Smith cottage and other places of the poor, with Reverend Wilson and Georgiana. On two occasions, Georgiana was unable to attend, but this did not change Kitty’s resolve to continue. Kitty also began attending church every Sunday with enthusiasm, since she had seen Reverend Wilson’s practical love in action and was anxious to learn more from him. From such fertile soil, a soul may revive and become stronger.

  Three weeks after Kitty had returned to Longbourn from Pemberley, Georgiana received a letter which read:

  Dear Georgiana,

  I want to thank you for your help at Pemberley. I have so enjoyed our time and work together.

  I want to let you know that I have begun visiting the unfortunate here in our Longbourn parish. I do not enjoy it as much as when I am with you or Reverend Wilson. I miss visiting the Smiths, and in particular, holding Paul and seeing Lucy dance.

  I must confess that sometimes I do not feel like visiting others. Does this ever happen to you? My own response is that visitation is a necessary duty that helps me as much or more than the people I visit, but I wonder what your reply would be to my inquiry. I am afraid I am still very selfish, but as to what to do about it I am quite at a loss.

  Father has said I may return to Pemberley in two months. I look forward to seeing you again. Give my love to Elizabeth. I will write her soon.

  Your friend,

  Kitty

  Georgiana was touched by her sister-in-law’s letter. She had experienced the same feelings, but had not shared them with anyone else for fear of being told that she was selfish--a trait she was trying her best to forsake. After thinking awhile about it, she penned the following response:

  Dear Kitty,

  I received your recent letter. I am pleased that you are continuing your visitation in the parish of Longbourn. We miss your help here.

  I must confess that I also, at times, find helping others to be obligation rather than desire. Our feelings may be very common. Perhaps this is what is meant by— “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

  I speak confidently for the entire Darcy family that we welcome your return at anytime to Pemberley.

  Sincerely, Your Friend,

  Georgiana

  Chapter Six

  For the first time in many years, Georgiana was at home during the month of April. She delighted in this time of the year more than any other. To enjoy the springtime appearance of Pemberley, she took a longer walk than usual. She strolled past the south garden and over the stone bridge, which was formed into a series of arches over the Derwent River that ran through the estate. The ground on both sides leading up to the bridge was carpeted with primroses and other spring flowers. As she stood in the middle of the bridge, a sweet fragrance wafted by her face. She wished the sun would shine, but at least the high clouds did not threaten rain.

  She recalled the events of the last six months--how the family atmosphere at Pemberley had been revived! Elizabeth’s lively presence stimulated a warmth and depth of personality in her brother which Georgiana never knew existed. The large party before Christmas would now be anticipated each year. Phillip brushed against her dress. She was glad that he was recovered with only an occasional limp as evidence for his severe injury last winter.

  The Bennets and Bingleys had been gone for a few months. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived yesterday and Georgiana thought of their first visit here last summer with Elizabeth. She suspected Elizabeth was special to her brother even then, but she did not appreciate the dramatic tension present because of Elizabeth’s refusal of her brother’s first proposal. While her brother and Elizabeth received the Gardiners with abundant gratitude, Georgiana was also thankful to them for bringing Elizabeth into her life.

  Returning to the house, she saw the ponies being brought out for the long talked about ride around the perimeter of the estate. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth came up to her as she returned from the walk. Elizabeth said, “Will you not go with us Georgiana?”

  “Is there room in the phaeton for the three of us?”

  Mrs. Gardiner said, “I think so if one of us can take the reins for the horses.”

  Georgiana said, “I will be happy to direct the horses. It has been many years since I have seen the ten mile course around the edge of the property.”

  Elizabeth said, “I have brought a snack. We may go as far as we wish or return as soon as we wish.”

  They settled into the open phaeton with their bonnets and riding dresses on. Elizabeth said to Georgiana, “I have not been able to make this tour yet. Please, do not hesitate to show me all the details of it.”

  The trio soon crossed the arched stone bridge. The carriage trail turned to the south and descended slowly as it turned into the broad and grassy river bank, which stood several feet above the level of the river. Beech trees were to the left on the hill. In the shady places, ferns were untucking themselves. Wild hyacinths could be seen in and among the ferns. The trail was not traveled frequently like the main road above them; as a result, it had grass growing in places. Sparrows were chirping from the trees and the sun was trying to emerge. It was a good day for riding and promised to become a beautiful affair. As they wound their way down the riverbed, Mrs. Gardiner asked Georgiana, “Do you miss London this season?”

  Georgiana replied, “Not at all. The air is much better here in the country and the scenery is picturesque. With Elizabeth here, Pemberley has become animated again.”

  They soon passed a cluster of tenant houses along the river. Some of the occupants came out to greet Elizabeth and her companions. After an additional hour of riding, they came to a pleasant meadow on a knoll above the river, where it was agreed they would stop, spread out their blanket, and have their snack. While they were sitting down Georgiana declared, “I do not think I shall ever voluntarily return to London for the season.”

  Elizabeth replied, “Oh, do not say so. A young woman of your age needs the social interaction. However, I am quite happy to have you stay here. Pemberley House seems so large for just Mr. Darcy and myself.”

  Georgiana said, “I feel so shy at times. The obligation of pretending to enjoy the company at St. James’ court is distasteful to me. I should only want to go to London if you would accompany me, Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth replied, “Now that I am married, I have very little reason to return to London except that Hertfordshire is on the way. I will want to visit Longbourn on occasion.”

  Georgiana said, “After the infamous remarks my aunt made to you, are we ever going to visit Rosing Park?”

  Elizabeth replied, “Oh, I am not afraid of Lady Catherine. I have asked Mr. Darcy to write her and invite her to Pemberley. I can partly understand her reasons for not wanting me to marry Fitzwilliam, but she is Mr. Darcy’s closest relation, and I do not believe that she will remain estranged forever.”

  “Do you think that she will ever condescend to visit the ‘polluted’ waters of Pemberley?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.

  “I think she will withdraw her censure, since it is in her favor to relate with Mr. Darcy, but whether she will ever condescend to forgive me is another matter,” Elizabeth laughed.

  Finishing their lunch, they mounted back into the phaeton and continued their trip. The road was now beginning to ascend slowly away from the riverbed and became increasingly rougher. The tre
es on the river bank gave way to green heather on each side of the road.

  Georgiana said, “We are now almost halfway around the perimeter of Pemberley Manor.”

  Elizabeth put her hands on her lower stomach and said, “I am afraid I am not feeling well. Let me get out of the carriage and walk about.”

  As she was doing so, Mrs. Gardiner remarked, “Lizzy, you look pale. We must have gone too far today.”

  Elizabeth replied, “No, that cannot be the problem. I certainly should be able to ride this far without. . . .” With this statement, she fell to the ground. Alarmed, Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner dismounted. They ran to her prostrate body. Elizabeth was barely responsive. The best they could understand from her is that she had severe pain in her abdomen.

  Mrs. Gardiner looked at Georgiana and said, “Take the phaeton and ride to Pemberley. I think it’s best that you go since you would know the most direct route to the hall. I will stay here with Elizabeth.”

  Georgiana mounted the carriage and wished that she had spent more time at mastering the art of driving the phaeton in a fast manner. She urged the ponies to go as quickly as they could. The thirty minutes it took to reach Pemberley Hall seemed forever. Arriving in front of the entrance hall, she was short of breath and shaken.

  Mrs. Reynolds hurriedly came down the steps and said, “Where are your companions? What has happened?” She helped her off the phaeton and guided her into the parlor. Seating her in the nearest chair, Mrs. Reynolds said in a calming voice, “Now catch your breath, my lady, and tell me what happened.”

  Georgiana was exhausted. It took several moments before she could tell the bad news. Mrs. Reynolds called out, “Mr. Reynolds, there has been an emergency with Mrs. Darcy! Fetch a wagon with blankets. Bring it around front immediately! I will run and tell Mr. Darcy.”

  A few moments later, Mr. Darcy burst through the parlor door and strode up to Georgiana. “What is the matter with Elizabeth? Where is she?”

  Georgiana told him of her collapse on the trail. “I left her in Mrs. Gardiner’s care and rushed back here. They are halfway up the second hill past the western cottages.”

  “I know exactly where you mean. You have over-exerted yourself today. Stay here. I will bring Elizabeth back as soon as possible.” He and Mr. Gardiner hurried out the door.

  Mr. Reynolds was in front with the wagon. Georgiana stood to watch them race in the direction from which she had returned. As she turned from the window, she heard Mrs. Reynolds talking to a servant about going to Derby and bringing the surgeon from there as soon as possible. Only a few moments later, the horse’s hooves were sounding in the southerly direction of the messenger.

  Two hours later, the wagon pulled up in front of Pemberley. Men began shouting to each other. Servants gathered around the wagon. Georgiana walked down the steps as Mr. Darcy picked up Elizabeth’s limp body. He gently carried her into the house. As he started up the stairs, Georgiana followed closely. She glimpsed the uncharacteristically white face of Elizabeth. Elizabeth tried to say something, but Georgiana could not make it out.

  Finally, the great bedroom of Elizabeth and her brother was reached. Elizabeth was placed in bed and Georgiana, Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Reynolds remained. As he left the room, Mr. Darcy muttered in a questioning tone, “Where is the surgeon? Why is he taking so long to get here?”

  Mrs. Reynolds looked at Georgiana and said, “Miss, you look awfully fatigued. We may need your help tonight and tomorrow. It is important that you get some rest and wash up. The surgeon should be here within the hour. We will bring you news of her condition at the earliest possible moment.”

  Mrs. Gardiner came over to Georgiana and, taking her hand, led her from the room.

  Georgiana was both exhausted and anxious about her sister. She was fearful that something awful had happened to Elizabeth. It would break her heart if her dear sister should die. She went to her room to lie down for awhile. After resting, she arose to change dresses. While she was in her dressing room, a servant came to call her down to the parlor. The surgeon wanted to talk to the family.

  Everyone watched the surgeon intently as he descended the staircase. He entered the parlor with a worried face. Addressing Mr. Darcy, he said, “I am afraid your wife is seriously ill.”

  “What is the matter?”

  “She is ‘flooding’ and has lost a significant amount of blood.” The surgeon paused to place some papers and a book into his bag.

  Georgiana took the moment to ask Mrs. Gardiner in a whisper, “What does he mean by ‘flooding’?”

  She replied in a whisper, “It means she is bleeding from her female parts. The surgeon may use the term differently than what I am used to, but it usually means bleeding during pregnancy.”

  The surgeon finished with his bag, looked up grimly and said, “If the bleeding continues, I fear the worst; in such a case, the three of them would not survive.”

  Everyone raised their eyebrows and Mr. Darcy said, “The three of them?”

  The surgeon said, “I have neglected to tell you that I can hear two different heartbeats in her lower stomach. It seems quite clear to me that she is carrying twins. The bleeding is occurring from some problem associated with this condition.”

  This was too much for Mr. Darcy. He sat down.

  The others in the group murmured their subdued joy over Elizabeth being with child; but, the alarm of Elizabeth’s illness was providing mixed emotions in the group.

  Mr. Darcy asked, “What are her chances of living or dying?”

  The surgeon continued, “The next twenty-four hours are critical. If the bleeding stops, there is hope she will survive. But, in her condition, I fear there is little chance for the babies. I have given her morphine and she is sleeping. Her situation is now in the hands of the Almighty.” The surgeon then concluded, as he was putting on his coat, “I shall return tomorrow morning to see the patient. You must enforce absolute bedrest for her.”

  Mr. Darcy stood up after the surgeon was gone and began pacing the room. He muttered, “What can I do? What can I do? I feel so impotent with Elizabeth lying ill upstairs. Money, cleverness, and strength cannot rescue her.”

  Georgiana stood and walked upstairs to talk with Mrs. Reynolds. She begged for some time when she could watch Elizabeth. She saw that Elizabeth was no better. Mrs. Reynolds promised Georgiana sickroom duty for three to six hours after dinner.

  Satisfied with this response, Georgiana turned and walked down the stairs. She turned down the hallway and entered the chapel. She began saying prayers for Elizabeth. Her heart was broken. She did not know what words she spoke, but she laid her heart open with earnest supplication. After about fifteen minutes, she heard the door open. Her brother, pale and visibly shaken, came in and sat next to her. He began sobbing and attempted to pray with his sister. She felt a source of strength come into her heart. Putting her arm around her brother, she began speaking soft reassurances to him. After an hour or so, they returned to the subdued atmosphere in the parlor.

  A servant arrived to ask what was to be done about supper. Georgiana had absolutely no appetite and realized she was being looked to as the household mistress. She turned to Mrs. Gardiner and asked what should be done.

  Mrs. Gardiner said, “Well, by all means, we need to try to serve dinner. This may be a long ordeal. It is important that we keep our strength up in order to help Elizabeth.”

  Chapter Seven

  The next morning the family gathered in the parlor. Georgiana was tired from watching Elizabeth until nearly midnight, when Mrs. Gardiner relieved her. During breakfast, the surgeon had come again and his report was eagerly awaited with a somber mood. Georgiana watched him come down the stairs. He seemed to be energetically descending the steps--perhaps this was a good sign.

  “The news is better today,” said the surgeon. “Her hemorrhage has stopped and her p
ulse has settled down.”

  “Thank God,” said Mr. Darcy. “What can we do for her?”

  “She will need strict bed rest. She cannot sit up for any reason or the bleeding may begin again and become fatal. You may prop her head with a pillow, but her body must remain flat.”

  “How long will this be necessary?” asked Mr. Darcy.

  “If all goes well, she can expect to have her babies in about four months. When the time comes, there is an experienced mid-wife, Mrs. Cheshire, in Bakewell who has delivered numerous twins. You will need to have her begin attending your wife.”

  “How is Elizabeth now?”

  “She is more awake today. I can see she is a strong, healthy woman. Many a weaker woman would have died from her problem yesterday.” He paused for a moment and then continued, “If there are no further questions, I need to be heading back towards Derby. You can, of course, call me again, but Mrs. Cheshire will be of more help to you.”

  With that, the surgeon strode to the door and was gone. The previous atmosphere of tense anxiety had dissolved into one of quiet hope.

  Georgiana and Mr. Darcy went up the staircase to Elizabeth’s room. Upon opening the door, Mrs. Reynolds shushed them, but Elizabeth heard and turned her head to see who it was. She said weakly, “Mrs. Reynolds, let my husband and sister in.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Mr. Darcy walked quietly to the bed. He picked up her hand and leaned over to kiss his wife. Georgiana heard him say, “I am glad you are better. I was fearful of losing the light of my life.”

  “The doctor says I am to have twins.”

  “I am glad, however, I am more interested in you getting well.”

  “I will then, but I will also give you sons. Pemberley will be filled with the sounds of boys.”