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

by Ted Bader

  “Should we engage a consultant?”

  “Indeed, I would recommend Dr. Parkinson, here in London. He is one of the best practitioners in England.”

  “I will stop at nothing for the welfare of my niece.”

  “I will send my man to Shoreditch to get him.”

  In the evening, Dr. Parkinson came to Lady Catherine and spoke. “Your niece has begun to awaken. She finally opened her eyes and spoke to me. As expected, she has a terrific headache. She remembers going to the livery this morning, but nothing after that. She does have a concussion, but I expect her to recover fully.”

  “How long will she be indisposed?” Lady Catherine inquired.

  “It may take a month or more for the headaches to completely resolve, but they may recur periodically for a few months.”

  “What should be her care?”

  “She must be confined to bed until this current headache resolves. Also, she should not attend social functions for at least one month.”

  “We will see that these things are done,” Lady Catherine replied.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Four days later, as Georgiana was sitting up in the downstairs parlor for the first time since her accident, Lady Catherine entered the room and inquired after her health. “My dear, how are you feeling?”

  “My headache is gone now. I am a little dizzy, but it feels good to sit instead of laying in bed.”

  “You may not know, but Lord Percy has visited every day to inquire about you. He appears quite guilt-stricken.”

  “Tell him I shall be well and not to worry.”

  “Do you wish to see him when he comes today?”

  “No!”

  “Why not?”

  “I am not interested in him.”

  “Georgiana, you should realize the accident gives you a special hold on him. You now have his complete attention. With a little effort, you could evoke his entire tenderness.”

  At this point, the servant announced the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Lady Catherine rose to greet them. Georgiana remained sitting.

  “We came as soon as possible once we received the news. Have we interrupted anything?” Mr. Darcy inquired.

  “I have been trying to tell our aunt that I have no wish to encourage the attentions of Lord Percy.”

  “But, nephew, Lord Percy is so interested in your sister. Think of it!”

  “My dear aunt,” he interrupted, “I have always tried to abide by my sister’s wishes. If she does not wish to further Lord Percy’s interest, then I must firmly ask you to leave the situation alone.”

  “As you wish,” Lady Catherine replied in a haughty tone.

  Mr. Darcy continued, “Georgiana, we have come to escort you back to Pemberley.”

  “What?! Absolutely not!” yelped Lady Catherine. She then continued in a softer voice, “I doubt she will be well for some time; further, she needs to finish the time of promise.”

  Mr. Darcy began pacing in front of the fireplace and said, “It seems quite clear to me that the latter promise has been fulfilled; Georgiana shall only return to London if and when she so chooses. As to her medical condition, when you notified us about Dr. Parkinson’s evaluation, I took the liberty of contacting him by express. I have his written approval for the plan of our transportation. He felt the country air would effect a quicker recovery.”

  Lady Catherine, clearly agitated, but suppressing any irritation in her voice, asked Georgiana, “Is this what you wish?”

  “Yes.”

  “I see. Nephew, when do you plan to return?”

  “We will set out tomorrow morning. I have engaged a private coach, one that even has a foldout bed, if we need it.”

  Elizabeth had been silent during the clash of her husband and Lady Catherine. She walked over to Georgiana during it, knelt and clasped her hand. She then said softly, “The bruise on your temple and upper jaw looks like your injury was quite painful.”

  Georgiana looked tenderly at her beloved sister-in-law. “I do not recall the accident itself. The only pain I have had was a headache for a few days. I am going to get well.”

  To show acquiescence to her family from Pemberley, Lady Catherine tried to talk pleasantly the remainder of the day.

  The following day found Georgiana’s brother and sister riding with her back to Derbyshire. To make the journey as smooth as possible, the trip was made in two full days, rather than the usual one day and four hours.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Upon arrival at Pemberley, the Darcys were greeted by their children and Mr. Thomas Staley.

  “Oh! Auntie, we are so glad you are back,” cried Andrew. “We have missed you so!”

  “I have only been gone a fortnight.”

  “But, it seems like forever,” Maria exclaimed.

  Mr. Darcy interrupted, “Your aunt has had a recurrence of her headache during the trip; so, she needs strict bed rest.”

  While her brother was talking to the children, Georgiana eagerly looked at the expression on Thomas’ face. She appreciated his friendly smile and happy countenance. If no one else had been present, she might have gone over and hugged him! Alas, the presence of the children and her family acted to restrain her. Despite her headache, she was glad to be home again at Pemberley.

  Two afternoons later, Maria slipped quietly into Georgiana’s room and said, “Mr. Staley and I wanted to know how you are doing, auntie.”

  “My headache is almost gone.”

  “Oh, Auntie. The bruise on the side of your face is black and blue!”

  “It looks worse than it feels.” She smiled weakly at her niece, “I think I am ready to walk to the window. Help me pull the covers back.” Maria did so and Georgiana walked to the window.

  “Tell your teacher that I hope to be in the library tomorrow morning after breakfast. As you go, tell my maid in the dressing room to come see me. I must get my hair washed and fixed.”

  Indeed, Georgiana felt nearly well the next morning. She had her maid fix her hair while she had breakfast in her room. Soon after, Elizabeth and Maria came to escort her to the library. Elizabeth stayed a few minutes; then, for peace and quiet, she left Georgiana alone and took Maria downstairs.

  Georgiana looked up eagerly, from her seat at the bay window, at the sound of a person entering. Thomas came in and sat in a chair across from her. She said, as she turned her face away, “I hope the bruise on my face does not change your opinion of me.”

  “What opinion does my lady think I have of her?” Thomas smiled.

  Looking at him again, she replied, “I must confess. The night we waited for you in your room, I accidently discovered a paper with my name on it and read it before I could lay it down.”

  Thomas was taken back for a moment, but replied, “Nothing that was written in that note has changed. I did not miss your hidden meaning in the letter from London. If I am right, you referred to the lovers’ vows that were in the play.” He stood, came over to the couch and sat down by her. Taking her hand, he continued, “I do love you. I will love you always.”

  Georgiana felt her heart would burst with happiness as she responded, “Oh! Thomas, I, too, will love you always.” Georgiana felt enraptured as Thomas looked into her face.

  After a few minutes of endearing conversation, Thomas sighed, “There are some things I need to resolve before we make an open declaration. Will you keep our love secret for a little while longer?”

  “I shall, of course, be happy to keep our delicious secret,” she replied with a smile.

  The door opened and Andrew entered, closely followed by John. “Did I hear the word ‘secret’?” Andrew asked.

  “Never mind,” Thomas replied and continued, “Are you boys already done with your reading assignment?”

  “Yes, sir.
”

  “Never a moment’s rest,” Thomas said as he winked at Georgiana. “However, your aunt does need rest and we should leave her alone.” He and the boys bowed to a smiling Georgiana and exited the library.

  Yes! Georgiana felt the ecstasy that only a lover can feel when the word “love” is exchanged between a couple for the first time. The extended time needed for maturity of her love, and the persistent steadfastness required of her in London, made the culmination only sweeter. She was so happy that she cried for awhile. She felt every muscle in her body relax, and the minor headache disappear.

  She eventually returned to her room. For the first time since leaving London, Georgiana slept soundly, late into the next morning. She awakened refreshed; she had not a trace of a headache. She went downstairs and started eating as the rest of the family and Thomas were finishing breakfast. She assured the family that she was feeling well; indeed, no one who saw her radiant face could suspect otherwise.

  After breakfast, she was sitting in the parlor with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, when the servant announced, “Lady Catherine de Bourgh is arriving.”

  “Good Lord,” Mr. Darcy cried as he stood. “I was hoping I would not have to see my aunt for some time. She can induce a headache even if one has not had an accident!”

  A few moments later, after being ushered in, Lady Catherine said, “My dearest nephew, how are you?”

  “Lady Catherine, you look pale.” He earnestly inquired, “Are you certain you should have traveled so far?”

  “I have come to see to the welfare of my dearest niece.” Turning to Georgiana and sitting down next to her, she asked, “How are you doing, Georgiana?”

  “My headache is gone for now.” Her smile faded as she began to fear what her aunt might demand of her. She would never, willingly, leave Thomas again.

  “And your strength?”

  “I am stronger each day.”

  “Good.”

  “How long will your ladyship stay?” Elizabeth interjected.

  “Hopefully, I plan no more than four days. I trust I am welcome.”

  “Of course,” Elizabeth replied.

  Between the tutoring of the children by Thomas, her frequent rests, and the obligate presence of Lady Catherine, for the next two days, Georgiana was able to see Thomas only at the family meals. Little secret talk could take place at a family meal, especially when Lady Catherine was present!

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  On the third evening of Lady Catherine’s visit, Mr. Darcy, with a grave tone of voice, said, “Something has arisen which requires a family meeting. As soon as dinner is finished, the children are to go upstairs to play, while the rest of us gather in the parlor.” He also requested the presence of Thomas.

  When the time arrived, Mrs. Darcy, Lady Catherine, Georgiana and Thomas went into the parlor and sat down. Mr. Darcy followed the group, but remained standing and said, “I have business of a most serious nature for us to consider tonight.” Turning to Mrs. Reynolds he said, “Bring the servant girl and her friend in; then, please wait in the hall in case we need you again.”

  In walked a young woman with long black hair. She wore a servant’s uniform and appeared about two and twenty years old. Her face would have been lovely, if not filled with anxiety and distress. A tall, strongly built man, a few years older than the woman, accompanied her. His scowling face would always appear unhandsome.

  Mr. Darcy addressed the servant girl. “Hannah, tell this group what you told Lady Catherine and myself this afternoon.”

  “My lord and ladies,” she stammered and paused. She looked down and said, “I am with child.” She stopped.

  Mr. Darcy said, “Pray, continue.”

  She glanced at her friend, and at his nod, said, “The father of this child is Mr. Thomas Staley.”

  Elizabeth and Georgiana gasped. Georgiana dropped her head and covered her mouth with a handkerchief. Elizabeth asked, “Is it certain you are with child?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Mrs. Cheshire examined me this morning. She said I was about four months along.”

  “What is my lord going to do about this?” the tall male companion demanded angrily.

  Mr. Darcy held up his hand to stop the man’s speech and turned to Mr. Staley, who appeared grave, and asked, “What do you have to say about this, Mr. Staley? Are you responsible for this child?”

  Thomas looked into Mr. Darcy’s face and replied quietly, but resolutely, “I am not.”

  “There you have it,” Mr. Darcy replied. “How are we to get at the truth?”

  Lady Catherine interrupted by tapping her cane repeatedly against the floor. “Nephew,” she snapped, “I have often seen young gentlemen fall into this fault.” Glaring at Thomas she said, “Do you deny that four months ago you went to this woman’s room on two occasions?”

  “I do not,” Thomas replied.

  “See, there you have it, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Catherine said triumphantly.

  Thomas continued, “But it was not for the wickedness you think. Hannah asked that I translate some items written in French, which she received from her friends on the continent.”

  “A likely story,” Lady Catherine scoffed.

  The entire family looked at Hannah and she began stammering, “Not true, my lord. I will not say he forced himself on me, but he is the father of the child.”

  Elizabeth then said, “Please excuse us, Thomas. Hannah, you and your friend may leave.”

  After a minute or two of silence, during which Mr. Darcy was pacing, he said, “What are we to do? How are we to obtain the truth, unless one party confesses they are lying?”

  Elizabeth responded, “Let us interview Mrs. Reynolds, since she supervises the female servants.”

  While they were waiting for Mrs. Reynolds, Lady Catherine pressed in a prosecuting tone, “Fitzwilliam, you must do something. The honor of Pemberley Hall is at stake. We must not let the world think Pemberley Hall is full of licentiousness!”

  “You can be assured we will consider our honor in the present situation,” he replied.

  Mrs. Reynolds rejoined them and said, “Half of the servants are in an uproar and feel Mr. Staley must go. The other half like him and want to be loyal to the Darcys despite the allegation.”

  “What of this woman, named Hannah?” Elizabeth asked.

  “She has caused us little difficulty. In fact, my lady, she came from Rosing Park two years ago. I have never had occasion to catch her in a falsehood, but I have seen very little of her.”

  Lady Catherine interrupted, “We never had any problem with this girl while she was at Rosing Park.”

  The group turned again to Mrs. Reynolds, who continued, “I am inclined to believe the young gentleman, Mr. Staley.”

  Mr. Darcy replied, “And there you have it, the word of a gentleman against the word of a servant girl. Honor requires that we notice this. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, you are excused.”

  Georgiana was stunned by the initial events of the evening. She could not formulate a reply. Her head began throbbing again and she felt that, before she would faint or create an embarrassing scene, she must retreat to her room. She stood up and cried, “This cannot be true of Mr. Staley,” and walked quickly out of the room.

  Now that Georgiana was gone, Mr. Darcy turned to his aunt, “Would you excuse us, Lady Catherine. This is a decision for the master and mistress of Pemberley Hall.”

  “As you please,” Lady Catherine replied stiffly and exited the room, leaving Elizabeth and her husband alone.

  After a minute more of pacing, Mr. Darcy said, “Shades of Mr. Wickham! I thought I would never have to encounter this dilemma again. This is most vexing.” Looking at his wife, Mr. Darcy said, “Is it our responsibility to expose Mr. Staley’s activity to the world?”

  “There is insufficient evidence,
Fitzwilliam. This case differs from Mr. Wickham’s; since, in the prior instance, we were certain of his egregious character.”

  “How can we be certain in the current case? I suppose we can wait until the child is born and examine likenesses; however, waiting another five months is intolerable.”

  “And, if the charge against Mr. Staley be untrue, then any action against him would be grievous indeed,” Elizabeth replied.

  “There is also another substantial difference between this case and Mr. Wickham’s. Mr. Staley’s character has not belied any other weakness of temperament; in the former case of Mr. Wickham, we saw multiple character failings.”

  “And yet, if we fail to take some action, we may lose half of our servants. With the current labor shortage, replacing them with good people may be nearly impossible.”

  “Perhaps a compromise may be worked out,” Mr. Darcy mused after a few minutes of silence.

  “Pray, give me your meaning,” his wife inquired.

  “It seems obvious that neither party can stay at Pemberley House. We will offer a £100 severance to Hannah for her to leave. That would be more than six times her annual pay. Rather than force Thomas to quit, under questionable circumstances, I will find him another tutoring position. I have a recent letter in my study from the Earl of Devonshire; who, as it happens, is looking for a tutor. I could explain the situation, ask him to be watched and, after some time of exemplary conduct, we could absolve Thomas from any weakness of character.”

  “Your plan has merit. It would be preferable to know the truth; unfortunately, while the Almighty knows what really happened, we cannot,” she replied.

  “Before I consider my plan complete, I am obliged to travel to Staley Hall and discuss the difficulty with Sir William. I will do this first thing in the morning.”

  Morning came, and besides the children, only Lady Catherine attended the 10 a.m. breakfast. Appetites were otherwise non-existent in Pemberley House.