by Ted Bader
“What can we do?” asked Elizabeth.
Attempting to dry her eyes with a handkerchief, Georgiana ventured, “Could my brother possibly find Thomas and repent of our family’s grievous mistake?”
“If anyone can, your brother can. Long ago, he found Lydia, who was hidden in London; and, I daresay he will find your Mr. Staley,” Elizabeth said. “Your brother now knows Mr. Staley is quite special to you.”
“Yes, my dear Lizzy, he is special to me. I am convinced that Thomas and I would be perfectly suited for each other.”
“I believe you are,” Elizabeth replied softly. “I will speak to your brother to see what can be done.”
Returning to the elegant hallway outside Lady Catherine’s bedroom, Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy still pacing, though more slowly and with less foot pounding. Upon seeing her, he said, “Mr. Jones, the apothecary, says Lady Catherine is declining rapidly. He does not expect her to last the night.” He turned to a servant and said, “For what it is worth, get Mr. Collins up here to pray for her.”
“Mr. Darcy, let us go to the drawing room to discuss what we can do.”
Moments later in the drawing room, Elizabeth told him of his sister’s heart.
“I would dearly like to communicate with Mr. Staley, but how are we to find him? This is much more difficult than your sister Lydia’s situation. Then, at least, we had a clue to suggest that she was somewhere in London. Now, I am not even sure if he is in England, let alone London. Since his letter declining the position in Kent, we have not heard a word. I am tempted to leave now to contact my friends in London, but it is quite evident that Lady Catherine will die soon; as her nearest relative, I must stay for her funeral.”
“Perhaps, Sir William Staley has heard something of his son since we left Pemberley. Pray, let us write him by express for information.”
“It seems all we can do for now,” replied Mr. Darcy. He went to the desk and penned the following note:
To my friend, Sir William,
I am ashamed to admit this of my family, but my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has just confessed to us her despicable action in bringing false testimony against your son, Thomas. Your son is blameless. I should have seen through the plot of my aunt to drive a wedge between your son and our household. Her purpose was to encourage my sister’s interest in another person, who is now, clearly, unworthy of her love.
My family wishes to make restitution of so grievous an affair. We would like to know the present whereabouts of Thomas, so we can speedily make amends.
The only consolation I have is that I consulted your wishes before making the final decision. However, the fault remains entirely mine. I should have been more decisive.
We should like Thomas to return to visit us. His presence in our house was a balm. He was a great help to my children and sister.
A reply by express to Rosings would be greatly appreciated. We are obliged to stay here because of my aunt’s rapidly declining condition.
Your faithful neighbor,
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy
After finishing the note, he handed it to Elizabeth to peruse. Her face showed her agreement.
“Should we show it to Georgiana?” asked Mr. Darcy.
“Certainly. It will probably ease her sorrow to know that her brother is doing all he can to remedy the fault,” replied Elizabeth.
Indeed, the letter had a soothing effect on Georgiana. After reading it, she was able to entertain hope of seeing Thomas again. Should he despise her, it would be understandable; however, she knew his charitable nature would make him likely to pity her and her family, rather than despise them.
Later that evening, Elizabeth came to Georgiana’s room to talk. The heartbroken young woman shared her feelings about the note and was pleased to have Elizabeth staunchly defend Thomas. Even if Thomas should dislike Pemberley and its inhabitants, perhaps, given time and friendly communication, his affection would return.
Chapter Thirty
As expected, Lady Catherine de Bourgh died that night. What a great equalizer death is; what a leveler of mankind! Any fear or disgust the Darcys had of her changed to pity. The funeral took place in two days and she was laid to rest by a distraught Reverend Collins, who appeared to be uncertain at times as to the proper content of the eulogy.
After the funeral, Mr. Collins came to the Darcy table to offer his condolences. “Mr. Darcy, you must be in deep sorrow to have such a great relation as Lady Catherine de Bourgh pass away.”
“We are bearing it as well as can be expected,” Mr. Darcy replied.
Elizabeth then caught her cousin’s attention and said, “Take care, Mr. Collins, of your new patron, His Grace, the Duke of Kent .”
“Whatever do you mean, cousin?”
“He is a man not to be trusted. We are suspicious that he may wish another rector at Hunsford Park.”
“Do not be alarmed, my dear Elizabeth. I am sure I will find the Duke of Kent to be a great man who would want to continue the ministerial tradition of Rosing Park; besides, the power of removal lies with the bishop, rather than the patron.”
Elizabeth replied, “But as you well know, a powerful man such as His Grace can often have his way with any bishop.”
“Do not fret, my cousin. I believe I can win my new patron over to continue my position. Your interest in my well-being is most appreciated; however, do not alarm yourself.” He bowed and moved on.
After a minute or so, Georgiana looked at her brother and said, “When is Lord Percy to arrive at Rosing Park? I am most anxious to avoid meeting him.”
Her brother replied, “A notice was sent to him as soon as our aunt died. Apparently, he is in eastern Europe and may not even receive the letter for another week; as a result, it is doubtful he can be here in less than a fortnight.”
Georgiana was visibly relieved with her brother’s intelligence about Lord Percy.
The following day, while Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were identifying family heirlooms that Lady Catherine had directed them to take, a servant brought a written reply to Mr. Darcy’s note.
Dear Mr. Darcy,
Your letter has been received. I am most grateful in your attention to my son, Thomas. I, too, am disgusted at lack of faith in my own flesh. . . .
Circumstances now make the finding of Thomas even more urgent. I have just received the most sorrowful news of the death of my older son. As a consequence, Thomas becomes heir to Staley Hall. My health is failing. The doctors tell me I can expect to live three to six months, at the best.
Unfortunately, Staley Hall has not received any correspondence from Thomas since he left Pemberley three months ago.
As our families have had a long term friendship, with help and comfort being provided by each, I would ask you, Mr. Darcy, if you could exert yourself in locating my son.
While it is possible he remains in England, I think it likely, since the cessation of hostilities with France, that he may be engaged in teaching across the channel.
Sincerely,
Sir William Staley
Mr. Darcy sat down as Elizabeth and Georgiana read the letter. The room was silent as they finished.
Finally, Elizabeth broke the silence, “What can we do, Mr. Darcy?”
“Our honor requires that we make vigorous attempts to locate Mr. Staley, though it may be nearly impossible.”
Georgiana could see that Elizabeth’s confidence in her brother was great. Elizabeth suggested contacting Mr. Darcy’s friends at Cambridge or in the foreign office.
“Yes, I have thought of that. We need to move to our house in London so I can contact some of the ambassadors, especially those of France and the Netherlands.”
Georgiana now regretted that her own shyness had prevented development of a wide number of contacts in London and elsewhere; then
, she could be contacting them just as her brother was beginning to do by letter. Oh, how she esteemed her brother--a man of Derbyshire, London and the world!
In the breakfast parlor at Rosings the next morning, Mr. Darcy told of the many letters he had written to every acquaintance who might be of assistance. Mrs. and Miss Darcy readily agreed to quit Rosings within a day and move to their house in London. Somehow, London seemed closer to finding Thomas than a return to Derbyshire would.
A week elapsed in London when Mr. Darcy was quizzed during dinner. A weary Mr. Darcy replied, “As you can surmise, my inquiries have not been fruitful. The French ambassador assures me there is no such name on any of the faculty lists of French institutions he possesses. I had the greatest hope that he would be of help. Unfortunately, while my sister thinks I know everyone in the world, I have almost no contacts in France because of the long war recently concluded.”
“What about your numerous contacts at Cambridge? Since Thomas wanted to return there, perhaps someone has heard of him,” quizzed Georgiana.
In a lowered tone, Mr. Darcy said despondently, “I received the following letter from my old master at Cambridge.” He handed the paper to Georgiana, who read the following with Elizabeth:
My Dear Fitzwilliam,
It was good to hear from you after so long. I am afraid I cannot help you. Mr. Thomas Staley was indeed an outstanding student and faculty candidate while he was here. He kept his name on an eligibility roll for a teaching fellowship after his return from the war, but failed to renew his candidacy one month ago. I have inquired of two or three of his friends to see if they have heard anything, and they have not. One rumor, which we tend to discount, is that Thomas was lost at sea.
His friends join me in wishing you success in locating him and we are unanimous that he should return to Cambridge to pursue his obvious talent.
Yours truly,
Dr. Charles Lewis
Georgiana was numb. Thomas lost at sea! She had never considered this possibility! Surely, one who had loved him so much should have felt the loss. Her hope over the past week now felt artificial and seemed to disappear like an evaporating haze. She left the table without speaking and went to her bedroom. Elizabeth followed her after fifteen minutes.
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Time passed very slowly for Georgiana and her family. A fortnight after their arrival in London, they had an unexpected caller. One afternoon, the servant announced the honorable Samuel Moore as a visitor. He strode into the room and was greeted by Elizabeth and Georgiana. Knowing who Mr. Moore was, Elizabeth made it a point to stay with Georgiana, who clearly welcomed her sister’s support.
“Ladies, please be seated. While I have only come for a short visit, it always seems less formal to sit down.”
Since the Darcy women were surprised by his visit, and he had an obvious communique for them, they remained silent.
“I suppose you are wondering about my visit. Lord Percy has returned to Rosing Park to assume its ownership and wishes to inform and to inquire about three items. He did not think a letter would suffice. When I volunteered to come to London, he readily assented.”
“First, this visit in no way represents a renewal of his courtship of Miss Darcy. Secondly, he is most desirous of knowing your condition, Miss Darcy, and whether the prior accident has had any sequella.”
Georgiana replied, “Inform Lord Percy that I am no longer feeling any effects from the accident. My headaches are entirely gone.”
“Good. The final point he wishes to make clear is to offer his friendship and well wishes for your future. He does not forget the hospitality of Pemberley Hall. He wants the Darcy family to continue considering Rosing Park as available at all times, should you wish to stay in Kent. No invitation will ever be needed.”
Elizabeth replied, “Tell your friend that the Darcy family accepts his offer of friendship with Rosing Park. Make it absolutely clear that my sister does not wish any further matrimonial offers.”
“I believe Lord Percy is sincere in these matters. My visit in no way represents an exploration of a possible engagement.”
To turn the conversation from so painful a subject for her sister, Elizabeth asked, “Do you have any idea of the disposition of the Duke towards the rector of the parish, Reverend Collins?”
He replied, “Mr. Collins. . . are you acquainted with him?”
“He is my cousin.”
“Then I shall be circumspect.”
“No, pray, tell us the truth. We know he is a buffoon. His principle strength is that he is harmless.”
“I see you know him. To be perfectly honest, Lord Percy cannot stand the man. He is always fawning over him and worshiping the ground he walks on. My friend is quite tired of his simpering. Although Lord Percy is no saint, he would prefer a rector who would focus on the parish rather than on the occupant of Rosing Park.”
“What has he decided to do with him?” Elizabeth rejoined.
“This is confidential; but, since your cousin knows, I see no harm in telling his family. Lord Percy has applied to the bishop to have Mr. Collins removed or transferred.”
“Do you think his application will succeed?” Elizabeth exhibited some anxiety in her voice, though her concern was more for her friend, Charlotte, Mr. Collins’ wife, than for her cousin.
“The bishop is a long-term friend of Lord Percy’s departed father. I have little doubt of the outcome.”
“Is there any other position for him?”
“I do not know.”
“How is Mr. Collins taking the situation?”
“He is so obsequious that the Duke has banned him from Rosing Park. Mrs. Darcy, I am sorry I do not have more information on your cousin.” He rose and was accompanied to the door. He paused and said, “I wish, Miss Darcy, the outcome with my friend and you would have been different. I should have liked to have become better acquainted with you.” With a tip of his hat, he was gone.
Chapter Thirty-Three
In the ensuing days, the Darcys were renewing old acquaintances and inviting guests who might help locate their friend.
While the Darcys wished to inform their guests of the search for Mr. Thomas Staley, it was difficult to do so without telling their guests most of the story about the offered engagement. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were most careful to not infer in any way that Lord Percy might be the gentleman involved in a Parisian liaison; but, after the first two parties easily guessed the man involved, they became less concerned. It seemed the Duke had quite a reputation among the London gentry for breaking hearts and having little virtue in the area of controlling bodily appetites. After their initial concern over defamation of Lord Percy, it occurred to them that his character was very much like Mr. Wickham’s; the only difference lay in Lord Percy’s riches and power, which might continue to influence selfish or innocent women. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy then felt the Duke’s infamous character should be discreetly shared with those in a position to prevent future broken hearts.
Early in their London stay, the Darcys were invited to dine with the Gardiners. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy’s gratitude to the couple in Cheapside resulted in joyful attendance at the middle class address. As Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were fully informed of Georgiana’s predicament at their first visit. It seemed so natural to share again in a similar problem to one worked through eleven years earlier.
At a return dinner engagement to the Darcy’s London home, Mr. Gardiner announced, “Mrs. Gardiner and I have considered what we can do for Georgiana. We have made numerous inquiries about Mr. Thomas Staley and have been able to discover little.”
Mr. Darcy replied, “Really, Mr. Gardiner, you must not exert yourself over our family’s matter.”
Mr. Gardiner replied, “On the contrary, Mr. Darcy! Your effor
t in behalf of our niece was beyond all measure. This time you must allow me to try something.”
Mrs. Gardiner continued, “My husband has formulated a plan for possible discovery of Mr. Staley.”
“Please, dear, do not excite their hope. We should probably call our efforts a possibility, if anything at all.” He looked at Georgiana, now perched on the edge of her seat. “However, knowing that a rational design produces hope, I thought Miss Darcy should know of our efforts.”
Georgiana eagerly inquired, “Pray tell, Mr. Gardiner, what your project involves?”
“Mrs. Gardiner and I have been planning for some time to visit France to see her nephew, who is studying art in Paris. My business will allow Mrs. Gardiner and I to leave in three days for the Continent. We plan to make inquiries along the way about Mr. Staley.”
“Wonderful,” Elizabeth replied. “Do you have any specifics?”
“If I do, I choose not to reveal them at this time, lest we become overconfident of the result.”
Despite further pleadings from all the women seated, Mr. Gardiner would only smile in response. Mr. Gardiner said at one point, “You will recall that Mr. Darcy had his special contact, which enabled him to find Lydia years ago. Now, I hope my source in France will lead to the discovery of Mr. Staley.” He then spent the remainder of the evening downplaying his trip.
Privately, at the end of the evening, Mr. Gardiner asked Mr. Darcy if there were any written communication he would like the Gardiners to present to Thomas, should he be discovered. Mr. Darcy provided the following letter:
Dear Mr. Staley,
This is a letter of sincere and strongly felt apology for our grievous error. In not trusting you, and forcing you away, we committed an unforgivable blunder.
It is with shame that we relate the confession of my late aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She obtained the false testimony against you.
