by Ted Bader
Twenty minutes later, he returned and moved to look out the window. Georgiana joined him and playfully said, “You must tell me of the most diverting prank that happened while you were at Cambridge.”
“If you wish. . . to set the scene, we had one student on our floor who was always getting up before everyone else. He did his best to inform his fellow residents that he was an early riser by singing and slamming doors. Our floor conspired to fool him by arising quietly at 2:30 one winter morning. One fellow snuck into his room and moved his clock ahead three hours. As you know, there isn’t any daylight at 5:30 a.m. in the winter. We then began banging doors and singing and several of us went by his room to ask him why he was not up with the rest of us. He woke up and looked panic stricken as he ran around getting ready. He rushed off the floor and hurried across campus. We then doused the lights. We corrected the time on his clock and retired to bed as if nothing had occurred. He returned a half hour later, and for some odd reason, was much more quiet in his early rising thereafter.”
“Oh! Thomas, what a diversion! I am glad you are not too serious. John needs someone with your character around.”
“Excuse me, my lady, I am going down to the stable to take care of my horse. I usually tend to her while you are teaching music to the children.”
“May I watch sometime?”
“Certainly,” Thomas said as he turned to leave the room.
It would not surprise the reader that Georgiana found opportunity to visit the stable the following afternoon. She and Andrew approached Thomas as he was brushing down his mare. Thomas remarked, “Where are your other pupils, Georgiana?”
Andrew answered, “John threw some water on Maria and was sent to his room for reflection this afternoon. Maria was not feeling well before John attacked her and has been kept in for the sniffles.”
Georgiana then asked, “Thomas, why do you not let the groomsmen take care of your horse? I am sure they will do a good job.”
“Perhaps. But, after a horse like Jenny has carried you through thick and thin in the war, a man becomes very attached to his mount. In some ways, the horse becomes a part of oneself. Andrew, have you heard of the mythical centaur?”
“Yes, sir. A centaur was an animal that was half horse and half man.”
“Good. Well, Andrew, when you have a favorite horse for a long time, you will begin to understand how the image may have been inspired. Another thing, Andrew, it is perfectly acceptable for a gentleman to groom his horse, particularly when he loves the animal.”
Georgiana then said, “Thomas, why do you not come riding with us?”
“The weather does not look promising, my lady. The rains have been heavy to the north lately and it may rain here soon.”
“Oh, come now, Thomas. You said you were wet many a time on the continent. You do not fear it now, do you?”
“Not at all. I was only thinking of the comfort of you and Master Andrew.”
“A little water never hurt anyone.”
With this said, Thomas gave orders for their horses to be brought out. He assisted Georgiana and Andrew onto their respective mounts. Their planned route was to circle the manor so the ride could be discontinued at any time without a long return.
As the horses turned right off the bridge, Thomas remarked, “The river is much higher than normal. The report of the rains in the north must be true.”
Georgiana was thinking more about this being the route taken by Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth and herself on that infamous day nine years ago. Certainly no one in this party would suffer an obstetrical complication today!
After following the river downstream for a mile, rather than following up the hill, they elected to cross a small wooden bridge onto a wooded area called “The Island”. The island derived its name from the fact that the river, divided into two parts, surrounded a bit of land. Once onto the island, they guided their horses to the southern aspect, where an old camp with an open-sided shelter was present. Here they dismounted, tied their horses and sat on logs in front of the shelter.
Andrew asked, “Mr. Staley, could we come camping here some time?”
“Yes.”
Georgiana looked around and said, “I should come out here to do some sketching. The interplay of shadows would be challenging to capture.” As she finished speaking, raindrops began to fall.
She got up to move under the roof, as Thomas chuckled, “I thought you said you would not mind getting wet!”
“Not if I can avoid it.”
As the rain became heavier, Thomas and Andrew also moved under the shelter.
After several minutes, Georgiana saw Thomas’s troubled look. “Thomas, what is the matter?”
“The sound of the river is changing.” He stood and moved away from the shelter, towards the river. He returned breathless and soaked with water. “My lady, the river is rising very fast. I think we should seek higher ground immediately. This area may soon be flooded.”
They all moved to their horses, mounted and began to retrace their trail to the northern part of the quarter mile island. Emerging from the trees, they could see the small bridge they had crossed was underwater. The noise of the rain required that Georgiana shout to Thomas, “What shall we do? Should we return to the shelter?”
“No. I fear it will soon be underwater also. We need to dismount.”
Georgiana and Andrew obeyed. Andrew huddled next to his aunt. The rain continued to pour down. Thomas shouted, “We. . .must let your horses go. They will have a better chance of survival without a rider. We will all get on my horse and try to cross the shorter aspect of the river to the eastern bank.”
“Why not the western bank, so we can return to Pemberley?”
“I fear the uncertain footing of the fen [swamp] and wide current.” Thomas took out a rope and tied it around each of their waists with ample slackness in between.
Andrew asked, “Mr. Staley, why are you tying us together?”
“In case one of us is swept away, the others can pull him to safety.” Thomas put Andrew up on his horse, mounted himself and pulled Georgiana up. He coaxed his horse into the current and then let loose of her reins. “Jenny will be able to find her own way better.” With water at their waists, Georgiana held on tightly to Thomas. She clasped her hands around his waist. Her face was pressed against his back. The feel of his broad and muscular shoulders was reassuring to her. Despite the water dripping down her face, she could see they were making progress towards the southeast hill. After several attempts, the horse finally pulled itself out of the flooded river. A little more climbing brought them to the main road. They began the return to Pemberley. Approaching the stone bridge to Pemberley, they saw the flood waters had enveloped it.
Thomas turned his head and said, “I do not think we should attempt it.”
“Let us go to the rectory and see if we can stay with the Westbrooks.”
The rain poured as they headed one half mile to the east. Arriving in front of the parsonage, Thomas lowered Andrew down and then dismounted himself and cut the ropes. He helped Georgiana down and said, “Take Andrew inside while I take care of Jenny.”
Kitty Westbrook met them at the door of the parsonage and remarked, “Georgiana, you are completely soaked and Master Andrew, too. Please come inside quickly.”
Once inside, Kitty continued, “You will need to take the wet clothes off. I have some clothes for you, Georgiana, though they will probably be baggy on your figure; and, Andrew, I have clothes to fit you, because of our surprise announcement!!”
“What do you mean?” Georgiana queried.
“I will explain once you are dry and warm in front of the fire.”
Minutes later, Georgiana, Kitty and Andrew were sitting in front of the fire sipping tea. Thomas finally entered with Reverend Westbrook. Georgiana said, “Thomas, what has taken you
so long?”
“I needed to dry and take care of Jenny. A horse that has saved my life time and time again is more important than my own comfort.”
Kitty said, “I have some clothes of Henry’s laid out in the next room. They may be a little loose on you, but at least they are dry.”
Thomas soon returned with a change of clothing and went to the window where Henry Westbrook was standing. Henry remarked, “The deluge appears to be ending. However, from your description, I doubt if the river will be passable into Pemberley until tomorrow. You are, of course, welcome to spend the night here.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Thomas replied.
Georgiana said, “I wish there were some means of getting a message to Pemberley that we are all safe.”
“I am afraid not tonight, Georgiana. We can send a messenger first thing in the morning,” Henry replied. Thomas nodded in assent with the reverend.
Georgiana said, “Kitty, you told us about a surprise announcement.”
Kitty fidgeted with her dress and replied, “You know, Georgiana, that Henry and I have been unable to have any children in our eight years of marriage. You also are aware that Mrs. Smith died last month, leaving Lucy and Paul as orphans.” Her voice took on a joyful tone as she announced, “The legalities are finally finished. We have officially adopted Lucy and Paul as our children!”
“I am so happy for you,” was Georgiana’s reply as she rose and sat next to Kitty, putting her arm around her.
Kitty continued, “I am so obliged to you, Georgiana, for introducing me to the parish work here and the little baby Paul. He is just as sweet at age nine as he has been all the years I have watched him grow. Lucy and Paul have seen us so much they had already begun to call us Aunt and Uncle; so, the excitement is mutual for the adults and children.”
Thomas asked, “Well, Henry, how will it feel to be called Papa?”
“I do not expect any different. In some ways, adoption is better than natural birth, since you can choose your own children.”
Kitty interjected, “This is why we have clothing for Andrew to borrow. We are getting ready for the children to arrive from the orphanage.”
After dinner that evening, Andrew was sent to bed and the four adults sat around the fire.
Henry began, “Thomas, it is good to see you coming to the parish church every Sunday. Tell me what you think.”
“Henry, we have known each other since we were children. If I did not like the service and your sermon, I would not come; still, I wish you would talk more about the relationship with our heavenly Father than you do.”
“Pray, Thomas, tell me what you mean. I know you are honest and will not dissemble with me.”
“Henry, I think you spend too much time explaining the Thirty-nine Articles of Faith.”
“Thomas, would you trifle with these foundational statements of the church?”
“They are well and good, but only go so far.”
“You puzzle me.”
“The Christian life consists of rules, rituals and relationship. The rules and rituals help to foster our relationship with God, but exercising or reciting the doctrines puts one only at the rules level; and if one stays there, the religion can easily become one of choking legalism.”
“What do you mean?”
“The rules and rituals exist for the possibility of delight. Performing them is like people digging channels in a waterless land so, when the water comes, it may find them ready.”
“You would not have our religion be one of emotional frenzy, would you?”
“Not at all. A relationship consists of commitment and a love awareness. No one can be emotional about it at all times; however, those who never have any emotions are missing out on what the Christian religion may impart best-peace and joy, in a right relationship with God.”
“Is it wrong, then, to consider our duty towards God?”
“Not at all. The difference between duty and loving devotion is desire. When one begins to desire something, the sense of duty disappears and loving devotion takes over.”
“Your words are high sounding, but I am uncertain of their meaning.”
“This concept, more than any other, kept me from believing in Christianity. As soon as my heart desired peace and joy, the doctrines ceased to be a duty.”
“I like your statement, Thomas. I am not sure I comprehend it fully. At the least, your thoughts have brought you back to the church.”
Georgiana listened to the conversation between her two long-time acquaintances carefully. Thomas had a way of perplexing her at times. She often thought that much of her religious activity was duty. She sometimes felt compelled to attend her daily prayers, rather than desiring them. Thomas’ words were both wonderful and puzzling.
As the men continued to talk, and Kitty was checking on Andrew, Georgiana snatched the opportunity to continue looking at Thomas. His gallantry, strength and amiability made her admire him as she never had before.
In the morning, the Westbrooks had their carriage take Miss Darcy and Master Andrew back to Pemberley, while Mr. Staley accompanied them on his horse. The river had subsided to below the stone bridge, allowing passage back to Pemberley.
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, along with John, greeted them in front of the hall. Elizabeth said to Georgiana as she was stepping out of the carriage, “We are very relieved to see you well. We were quite worried last night when you did not return. Our worry deepened when two of your horses returned alone.”
As Andrew stepped out, he exclaimed, “Oh, Mamma. We were caught in the flood, but Mr. Staley knew just what to do. He and his horse took us to safety!”
His mother replied, “Andrew, I shall want to hear all about it in a moment.”
Mr. Darcy came up to Mr. Staley as he dismounted and thanked him for saving his family. He asked the details of the flood as they walked the horse towards the stable. Elizabeth escorted them into the entrance hall and asked Georgiana, “Are you feeling well?”
“Yes, of course. As you know, we stayed at the rectory.”
“Yes, it was such a relief to receive the message first thing this morning that you were safe.”
“I am thankful that Thomas was with us. His courage and presence of mind during the emergency helped me not to be so frightened.”
Chapter Fifteen
A month passed, when at dinner, Elizabeth remarked, “We only have six weeks before you go to court, Georgiana. We must get you a new wardrobe. Do you want to go to London or shall we have a dressmaker come to Pemberley?”
“Please, if you will, have one come to Pemberley. I wish to spend as little time in London as possible.”
“Mr. Darcy, may we do so?”
“By all means.” After a moment, Mr. Darcy continued, “My dear, Lizzy, you may want to have more dresses made for yourself, as well.” Turning to the boys he asked, “What has been happening with our strange sound or the lack of it?”
John piped up, “I finally got to hear it father. It sounds like a low moan that sometimes screeches!” As he raised his hands for emphasis, Georgiana involuntarily shuddered. “But, rotten luck! Mr. Thomas and I crept onto the roof from the third floor of the turret, and the sound died away. We were not even certain whether we were investigating in the right direction.”
“Investigating? Where have you learned such a big word?” asked Elizabeth wrily.
“Mr. Thomas uses it when we are trying to figure something out.”
“And do you know where the sound is coming from yet?” his mother queried.
“Not yet. I think it sounds like an old lady moaning, but we don’t have any old ladies here now.”
Mr. Darcy interrupted, “And I can assure you there are no ghosts here. All of our ancestors to my knowledge, died honorably and peaceably.”
Turning the conversation, Georgiana inquired, “Thomas, why do you go out on the north trail so often?”
“Why do you not come with me and the boys tomorrow after our morning lessons?”
“Yes, auntie, come with us!” Andrew said eagerly.
“I shall be happy to come,” responded Georgiana with a smile. However, she began to feel a little vexed--it occurred to her that her nephews were almost always with Thomas in the morning, with herself in the afternoon, and with him again after dinner for an evening walk. Would she ever get time to be alone with Thomas? She tried to put this thought aside, since it evoked ambivalent feelings.
The next morning she went to the Pemberley classroom with the children.
Maria was beginning to read her French lesson and needed help from Thomas, who said, “‘Au contraire’ means ‘on the contrary’.” A few moments later, Thomas said, “‘Mon amour’ means ‘my love’ or ‘my friend’ depending on the context of the conversation. The French do not have ‘like’ and ‘love’ as we English do. They must make the same word perform double duty.”
After their French lessons, Thomas read them a story about a woman married to a cruel husband, who made her life miserable. Daily, the husband would list extra work she should do to “earn her keep”. Her life was one of drudgery and slavish duty. Eventually, her husband died.
Later, she fell in love with a kindly man who treated her like a lady. They were soon married, and she began to keep house for him. One day she ran across a burdensome schedule that had been outlined for her by her former husband. Checking the list, she discovered she had done everything on the list that very day. What a change! What once had been mere drudgery, was now a labor of love for the man who loved her so much!
“Now then class, what is the story trying to teach us?”
“Doing things for those we love is much easier than for those we do not,” said Maria.
“Well said,” Thomas replied and continued, “In the first case, the woman did her duty, but it was a heavy burden.”
Andrew interrupted “And in the second case, she desired to help her loving husband.”
