by Ted Bader
“Now, then, where can we find a good tutor?” asked Elizabeth. “We must be very selective.”
“Actually, I already have one in mind.” Pulling a letter out of his pocket, he continued, “This letter is from Sir William Staley regarding his son, Thomas. You know, the one we have not seen in years.”
Georgiana’s heart leapt involuntarily at the mention of Thomas’ name. She tried to stay calm and to return her facial expression back to what it was prior to the name being uttered.
“Sir William gives us the news that Thomas was wounded in the war and is convalescing in a hospital in France.”
“How badly is he hurt?” Georgiana interrupted with more concern in her voice than she wished to show.
“He suffered a shrapnel injury to his left leg. It appeared serious at first and the surgeons wanted to amputate, but Thomas refused and he is apparently doing better. However, we shall see his condition when he visits Pemberley.”
“You never told us about this,” Elizabeth and Georgiana chimed in reply.
“I took the liberty of inviting him here. I knew you would not mind seeing an old childhood friend, Georgiana. Sir William tells me that Thomas is looking for a teaching position, preferably at Cambridge; but with the war ending, many of the officers have claim to the college positions and it may be several years before one will open up. In the meantime, Thomas is looking for employment as a tutor.”
Elizabeth smiled and said, “What a perfect opportunity for us. There is no substitute for personal knowledge of a teacher. My memory of Thomas is quite a favorable one. He is both sensible and amiable.”
“But what if he has changed, Lizzy?” asked Georgiana.
“I should be surprised if his basic character has changed.”
“I know he speaks excellent French, since his grandmother emigrated from the continent. His mother, Lady Marilyn, made him speak both French and English as a boy. But, what of his doubt concerning our beliefs?” Georgiana pressed on wishing to clear the candidate as soon as possible.
“We will see what his beliefs are when he visits. I doubt he will say anything that will disqualify himself,” said Mr. Darcy. He continued, “Who knows, he may have several attractive offers. He seems quite qualified.”
The next day a letter arrived for Mr. Darcy. He read it and passed it to Elizabeth and Georgiana. It read:
Dear Mr. Darcy,
Thank you for the inquiry about my future as a tutor. I should like very much to return to Pemberley and discuss this. Your house has many happy memories for me from the association of our families.
My French is excellent and I have been serving as an interpreter for the battalion staff and now for the hospital.
My leg is recovering and I am now walking without a cane. I fear I have a limp, but God be praised that my injury was allowed to be so slight. My discomfort has been minimal compared to the Heavy Price some of my friends have paid.
My unit is to disembark next week. I should be at Staley Hall within a fortnight, and after a day or two, I will come to Pemberley.
Give my regards to Mrs. and Miss Darcy.
Sincerely,
Thomas Staley
After reading the letter, Georgiana retired to her room. Her thoughts were quite happy as she recalled Thomas’ praise of the Almighty in the letter. She wondered what his condition would be--both spiritual and physical.
How much damage had the injury caused? How weak would he be from the prolonged recovery? Were his shoulders still strong? Would his eyes still sparkle? Would his spirit be bitter? Would his leg be crippled? She recalled his tanned face as a young man--would it be a sickly white from laying in the hospital?
She thought, after a while--he may have a feminine attachment in Cambridge from his days there as a student. Georgiana decided she should guard her heart until answers were obtained to her questions. What were her feelings? Was Thomas worth risking her current position?
How could she know the difference between infatuation and love? Her mind kept revolving these subjects; she made little progress on answering any of her questions with certainty.
Chapter Eleven
The day of Thomas’ visit finally dawned. A message had been sent the day before that he would arrive that morning. Georgiana spent the first hour after breakfast looking out the south window at the distant bridge to detect when he might come. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were in the adjacent parlor trying to busy themselves with reading and embroidery, respectively. The word trying is used, since Andrew and John were having some trouble entertaining themselves. Maria was attempting simple needlework next to her mother and was not contributing to the lively atmosphere her brothers were sponsoring.
Finally, Georgiana spied a tall man on a brown horse, trotting over the bridge. She guessed it to be Thomas and, as he approached, she recognized the man she had not seen for three years. His shoulders were as strong as ever, his brown curly hair unchanged and his face had the same healthy look she remembered.
Georgiana ran to the entrance hall door, with Andrew and John trailing her by five to ten feet. Thomas dismounted, gave the horse to the groom and began walking towards Georgiana. The only changed aspect was a slight limp, but it was barely noticeable. He was certainly not a cripple!
Phillip had been wagging his tail next to Georgiana, but now rushed out barking happily at Thomas. Thomas picked him up and walked to the door, whereupon he smiled at Georgiana and looked at her with his soft, friendly eyes. Upon reaching her, he let Phillip down and took her hand and kissed it, saying, “I am so glad to see you again, Georgiana. Your appearance is even more pleasing than the beauty I recall.”
“You have changed very little, Thomas, except you appear to be even stronger than when you left. I was worried that you might have weakened during your convalescence.”
“No, I was treated quite well. I tried to use my arms extensively while my leg was healing, so I would not have to recover them as well. . . . And, who are the young gentlemen hiding behind you, Miss Darcy?”
Urging them forward, she said, “Captain Staley, this is Andrew, my older nephew, and his brother, John.” The boys bowed and followed Thomas and Georgiana as they moved into the parlor. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy greeted him and then urged him to sit down.
“How is your family, Thomas?”
“Very well, sir. Thank you. My father is in good health. My brother, George, is doing well in the West Indies. My father received a letter from him a fortnight ago.”
As Thomas finished, Georgiana noticed Andrew tugging on his father’s coat sleeve. Mr. Darcy leaned forward and allowed his son to whisper into his ear. After a moment, Mr. Darcy said out loud, “Andrew, go ask him yourself.”
The boy began, “I suppose. . . ,” and then stopped.
His mother interrupted, “Mr. Staley, you will have to tell us sooner or later and the boys clearly want it sooner.”
Andrew approached Thomas and asked, “John and I are very curious about your war injury.” John interrupted breathlessly, “Tell us about the battles you have been in.”
“My injury is not really very much. I do not wish to fill your heads with false gallantry. As you know, I was part of a diplomatic unit serving as an aide de camp to Colonel Freemantle. We were closing in on Paris after the battle of Waterloo. Our unit had been moving between the French and Allied lines with messages concerning a truce and surrender. We were returning to the English section late one night; when apparently, a French guard mistook us for an attacking force and fired on our unit. I was wounded in the melee. It took us some time to convince them we were a diplomatic unit. What I remember most about that night is waking up in the field hospital with a terrific pain in my leg. Now, does that satisfy you, boys?”
“Wow, yes sir,” they both replied in unison.
Andrew continued, “Does it still hurt?”
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“Only a little at times, but I can now take extended walks with very little discomfort.”
Mr. Darcy then said, “Boys, take Mr. Staley and your sister up to your classroom area next to the library and show him around.”
Andrew and John each took a hand of Mr. Staley. They led him up the circular staircase behind the marching style of Maria. They appeared to have lost all shyness of Mr. Staley.
After the foursome was gone, Mr. Darcy said to the two remaining women, “Captain Staley is too modest. I have it, on General Maplethorpe’s authority, that Thomas saved the Colonel’s life in the melee. A soldier does not earn the regimental cross by simply being wounded; but like other veterans I know, he is reluctant to discuss his experience. I think he has the right amount of proper pride.”
“He has my approbation,” Elizabeth said, “I hoped he would not glorify the military; since, as a mother I would prefer not to see my sons head off into war unless it were absolutely necessary. I think he will make a fine teacher.”
“His academic credentials are excellent. Sister, you have been their teacher for many years. What do you say?”
“I am also in hearty approbation. He appears little changed from the amiable Thomas we knew three years ago. By asking him, we avoid the discomfort of inviting a stranger into Pemberley.”
“I agree, sister. I think we should ask him immediately, lest someone else lure him away.”
Thomas returned a little time later, and Mrs. Reynolds took the children outside.
Mr. Darcy began, “Well, Mr. Thomas Staley, are you interested in tutoring our children?”
“Yes, sir, I am. They seem full of energy and curiosity--two good traits for scholars; however, I am uncertain about a time commitment.”
“We can understand that. We do not expect you to be a tutor for life. When a fellowship opens up at the university, you may take it. Let us consider your position month to month. We offer the usual inducements and your salary will be nearly what the University fellowship would be.”
“Thank you, sir. Then it is agreed,” Thomas said as he stepped forward and shook Mr. Darcy’s hand.
Georgiana noted Elizabeth’s smile and found herself pleased about the arrangement.
Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth and said, “Now it is time to show Mr. Thomas Staley his home.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana escorted Thomas to his room. Elizabeth remarked, “Mr. Darcy thought you might like the turret room. It is in the oldest part of the hall. It has a good measure of privacy. However, it is on the second floor of the turret and you may find it too arduous for climbing each day.”
“No, Ma’am, I do not believe a second floor room will be too difficult for me.”
“If this room is not what you like, we have several others to choose from here at Pemberley, so do not feel this is your only choice,” replied Elizabeth.
After going through a maze of hallways which turned left and right on several occasions, they approached a room-sized vestibule which had stairs leading off in a spiral to the right. The stairs were only about four feet wide and made of stone. Elizabeth and Georgiana led the way up to the second floor room. As a very large, plain wooden door was pushed open, Thomas felt that he was being moved two hundred years back in history. The room had only three small windows. It was apparent the chamber had been recently cleaned. There was a large fireplace across from the entrance. A four-poster bed was present and a large desk was situated about eight feet in front of the fire. Bookshelves lined the walls to the right of the doorway. Thomas went to one of the windows and looked out upon the forest of Pemberley. He turned to Elizabeth and Georgiana and said, “I think this will be perfect. I appreciate the bookshelves. I have many books to study about the French Revolution.”
“The servants will bring your luggage here in a few minutes. After you are settled in, you may wish to come down and visit us. Mr. Darcy likes to have supper directly at five o’clock.”
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, when Thomas awakened, he noted a pitcher and bowl on his desk. Getting himself ready for the day, he left his room expecting that he could easily find his way to the dining parlor. However, after several turns in the hallways, he became uncertain which way was the true direction. He sat down for a few minutes and then heard the sound of young boys running. John turned the corner and said, “There you are, Mr. Thomas. Mamma was concerned that you might lose your way in the maze of the hallways on the west side of the house, and she sent us to reconnoiter your position. You made one mistake turning, which is all too common with our visitors on this side of the house.”
They both took one of Thomas’ hands and led him into the breakfast parlor, where the rest of the Darcys were waiting. As breakfast was served, Georgiana said, “Thomas, I shall be happy to show you where I left off teaching the boys and Maria. What will you try to teach them first?”
Thomas replied, “I shall want to see what their abilities are. I will give them a few questions in mathematics and the languages.”
“I believe you will find the boys quite above average and Maria does well. The boys have advanced past my knowledge of the French language.”
“They must be exceptional; since I know, from the three years you studied with my mother, your French is quite good,” replied Thomas.
Mr. Darcy then said, “In two days we shall be leaving for Rosing Park to see Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Since you are here, Thomas, I believe I shall allow the children to stay at Pemberley and not force them to attend on this visit. While we are gone, I do not expect you to entertain them at all times. Mrs. Reynolds will see to their care. Your duties are scholastic, and you need merely to teach for a normal amount of time during the day.”
The children’s faces beamed at this pronouncement.
Georgiana said, “I hope you do not mind, Thomas, if I sit in the classroom and listen to some of your teaching. I still feel there is so much I do not know.”
“I would be pleased to have you in the school room as often and as long as you would like,” replied Thomas.
“If you have no objections, I should like to continue teaching the children music and art in the afternoon and you can teach them their studies in the morning.”
“That is quite agreeable,” replied Thomas.
After breakfast, the boys led Thomas, Georgiana and Maria up to the classroom. It was on the second floor in a westerly direction from the breakfast parlor. Upon entering the classroom, Thomas voiced his pleasure with its spaciousness. It measured 25 feet by 25 feet, with a one-foot step down around most of the room, about five feet away from the wall. There were several desks. Large windows on the western side of the room gave ample lighting. Thomas sat down with the two boys and wrote out several mathematical questions for them. He asked Maria to copy a poem. Georgiana sat about fifteen feet away from the three desks, watching the activities.
After copying the poem, Maria put her chin in her hand and stared at Mr. Staley. After several minutes she asked, “Are you married?”
Thomas appeared taken aback for a moment and replied, “No.”
“Are you engaged or promised to any woman?”
“Maria!” Georgiana said. “Mr. Thomas need not be asked those questions.” Though secretly, in her heart, she was glad that the information was being discovered.
Thomas gently replied, “That is all right, Maria. No, I am not promised or engaged to any woman.” Leaning over and winking at Maria, he said, “Perhaps you want me to court you?”
Maria giggled. “Oh, no sir. I just wanted to know.”
Georgiana was glad, though a little embarrassed, that Maria asked such point blank questions. She had wondered, since Thomas’ arrival, if he was attached to any other woman. She certainly possessed an answer now.
After several hours of assessment and questions, Thomas declared it
was time to walk outside. Georgiana had watched the proceedings with interest. As they descended the circular staircase and went out into the south gardens, the boys took off for their make-shift cricket field and Thomas walked with Georgiana and Maria.
“Thomas, since you will have a part in religious instruction of the children, I wonder if your views are any different than they were three years ago.”
As a warm smile spread across his face, Georgiana wondered if he knew the question had greater import than just for the children. He said, “I have come a long way since then. As you know from my visit three years ago, while at Cambridge, I attended class with several of my Methodist friends. We would frequently talk about views of the Christian doctrines or the Methodist approach to them. I found their passion most interesting and it seemed more and more probable to me that their account was true. However, it was not until after my leg injury, when I had hours to recuperate, that I felt my heart strangely warmed one night during attempts at prayer. I now understand that necessary personal experience that transforms the Christian life from ‘duty and rules’ to ‘desire and relationship’.”
“I am glad to hear your approbation of the Christian life,” Georgiana replied.
At that moment, the two boys came over and took Thomas’ hands to pull him over to the cricket field. They asked him if he would take his turn at bat. Maria and Georgiana sat down on the park bench to watch the three-man game take place. The boys were quite surprised that Thomas could hit the ball three times farther than they could. They were also soon amazed that he could run faster than either of them, despite his injury. After about fifteen minutes, the two boys finally jumped on Thomas and brought him to the ground where they wrestled in the grass.
Georgiana was pleased at what Thomas brought to Pemberley. His presence represented a fascinating improvement. She felt secure in Thomas’ ability to teach and manage the boys. She was glad that he had answered questions in a favorable manner concerning the Christian faith--and his lack of feminine attachment.
