by Ted Bader
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Boys,” Elizabeth cried, “let us not vex our guest with an argument!”
“May we go outside?” John implored of his mother.
“Yes, you may; but, please, do not argue anymore.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Andrew replied as the boys left and Maria followed.
“Boys that age can be quite obnoxious,” said the Duke with a scowl, as they ascended the stairs.
Georgiana tried to ignore his remark, lest she be unable to continue in the hospitable manner required of her.
The large door to the library was opened. Georgiana wanted to see the effect the beautiful room would have on her visitor. He said shortly, “Quite a large room for library. The view out the windows is magnificent. I, however, do not need such a large library since I read very little.”
Not much encouragement was needed for Georgiana to dislike Lord Percy. His disparaging remark about her nephews and his lack of enthusiasm for reading, formed objective reasons which solidified her disapprobation of him.
After the tour, the threesome returned to the entrance parlor where Mr. Darcy was sitting down and reading. A servant entered and delivered a letter to Mr. Darcy.
“It is from Sir William Staley,” he said after he opened it. He looked hopeful for a moment, but then his countenance darkened. He handed it to Georgiana and said, “Apparently, Sir William does not know where his son is.”
Her heart sank.
Lord Percy said in an innocuous tone, “Is this Mr. Thomas Staley, you speak of? Lady Catherine de Bourgh told me of his peccadillo. Young men often fall prey to that temptation.”
Georgiana saw that Lord Percy looked surprised at the grave faces around him. He apparently surmised that his statement was unpopular, and he moved quickly to praise Pemberley Hall. The conversation moved to other topics which did not interest Georgiana. With a tumult of feelings, she excused herself from the company after an hour and hastened to her room.
What was she to think or feel now? No one knew where Thomas had gone. What did this mean? Was this an admission of guilt or breaking of the love vow by Thomas? The utter frustration of the question caused her to weep for awhile. At least the headache did not return with the change in emotion; and, fortunately, the headaches were becoming less frequent and less severe.
Her mind was full of doubts, but her heart whispered that Thomas was true. If she could only get some word to, or from him! She even fantasized about being bold and leaving Pemberley Hall to go search for Thomas. Perhaps he was only at Cambridge.
Yes, it would be distinctly out of character, and certainly frowned upon by society, for her to search for the man she loved. After some dreaming about being bold, she felt anxious about the role reversal and reluctantly let the dream go.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The following evening, the entire Darcy family and Lord Percy were present in the state music room listening to Georgiana play the harp. After she finished two songs, Lord Percy approached her and said, “Indeed, I am not surprised that you play the harp so well, for you appear to me as an angel.”
She blushed and did not reply. Seeking to escape, she joined Elizabeth on a couch.
He approached her again, took her hand and said, “I realize this may be sudden and unusual, but I would like to propose for your hand in marriage.”
Georgiana was shocked. She could only whisper in reply, “Tell me it is not so.”
“I must tell you how long I have admired and ardently desired you to be my wife. Your accomplishments and virtue will adorn the royal court of England and the Percy Castle in Kent.”
Georgiana looked to her brother and sister for help, but they merely gave an encouraging smile.
“You must ask my brother for permission,” she stammered.
“Your brother has already given permission for me to ask you.”
Georgiana looked at her brother, who said, “I only want you to do what you desire.”
The Duke continued, “I know it is irregular for me to ask for your hand in front of your family, but you are difficult to find alone, and I understand how much your family means to you.”
At this statement, Andrew and John joined hands, danced a merry-go-round and began singing in a chant, “Auntie’s going to be married. Auntie’s going to be married.” Maria stood in disbelief.
Elizabeth said in a commanding voice, “Now children, your aunt has not yet consented to Lord Percy.”
The family and the lord then all turned again to Georgiana, who replied, “This is all so sudden. I do not wish to excite your hope, nor to give any pain to you.” She paused and then after a few moments continued, “My immediate response is to say no, but I wish to give some thought to it. I do not understand all that it would do to change my life.”
She saw the Duke’s face fill with surprise. He, obviously, did not expect any answer other than an affirmative one. He quickly recovered and said, “It shall be magnificent! The wedding would occur at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent. The archbishop of Canterbury would preside and all the royal court would attend, including the Prince Regent himself! Only someone like yourself should be destined to become an elegant duchess.”
The room became quiet for a minute as those present waited for Georgiana’s response.
“I am sensible of the honor of your proposal, but I must warn you that my inclination is to refuse it.”
“Is this your final answer?” the Duke inquired, as his neck began to redden.
“No,” she smiled slightly, to lessen his discomfort. “I need to consider it. You have caught me quite by surprise.”
“Then may I beg a favor of you?”
“Yes.”
“May I have a meeting with you alone, tomorrow morning after breakfast?”
“I can see no harm in such a meeting,” replied Georgiana.
Alone that night, Georgiana became quite anxious. Her heart and mind joined in doubting that she ever had any feelings for Thomas! She had not heard from him and despaired of ever meeting him again. If only he were here, or at Staley Hall, then she could be near him and have her love reinforced.
She could easily understand that a man of honor could consider himself released from any vow after the exile he had received from Pemberley Hall. She felt it only reasonable to free Thomas from his promise of love. Her feelings for Thomas remained sufficient, despite the emotional storm, for her to still believe in him. However, her belief was weakening each day he failed to contact her.
On the other side of the coin, what a grand life she would have as a duchess! A royal marriage in the Canterbury Cathedral! Even strangers would hang on her every word! Why, she would be even more respected than Lady Catherine de Bourgh--she would never have to feel intimidated by such a woman again! If she had a son, it was even remotely possible, as sixth in line, that he could become king! Think of that! She, Georgiana, the mother of a monarch! What a chance to influence the country for goodness!
While she was thinking thus, Mrs. Reynolds came into her room, “Is there anything you want before I retire for the night?”
“Only advice. . . what do you think of the Duke’s proposal to me?”
“I think it is an honor quite befitting you. I have known you since you were born. It has always seemed to me you were destined for grandeur. . . and. . .”.
“Please, continue.”
“I think your mother would have endorsed his proposal.”
Georgiana was stunned. She mumbled, “Thank you. Good night, Mrs. Reynolds.”
After the housekeeper left, Georgiana felt as though a dagger had emerged from the shadows of the night. Suddenly, the compulsion to fulfill the wishes of her dear departed mother was intruding upon her thoughts. The death of her mother when Georgiana was age
six had left her with an emotional reverence for her mother rather than an intellectual understanding; as such, Georgiana would have great difficulty in reasoning her position away from a perceived wish of her mother.
Oh! that Mrs. Reynolds had never uttered a word! While earlier she had toyed with the idea of being a duchess, now the chasm of obedient duty made the decision process awful. She shrank from the vision of the duties that life would entail. She would be constantly required to entertain and to be a clever conversationalist. These were activities that she had to force herself to perform. A shy woman should not be a duchess! She had long ago given up the notion that she could change her behavior toward strangers. Family and longtime friends were another matter--it was effortless to be at ease with them.
Finally, the Duke himself. What kind of man was he? A man that a near friend would warn her about? Certainly, he was a man of good breeding, but what was his true disposition? He was generous as demonstrated by his gift of the Gainsborough painting. However, she became uneasy when she remembered the treatment of his horse in London and his irritation towards the Darcy children. She thought that any fault perceived now should be magnified at least ten times.
Two thoughts were now crystal clear to her. Her unrequited desire for Thomas was sharpened. Her duty to marry the Duke was looming as the one decision she must submit herself to accepting. Her mother would have wanted it so!
The conjunction of these ideas made Georgiana turn in bed and weep for a long time.
The next morning, after breakfast, Georgiana and Lord Percy retired alone to the music room.
He gently inquired, “Have you any further decision as to my request last evening?”
“I am still undecided. You must forgive me, this is all so sudden.”
“I can comprehend that it is so. I cannot perceive that you are one of those women who hope to increase a suitor’s desire by forestalling a decision. No, you are all goodness; and thus, your equivocation must be honest. Your sweetness of disposition baffles all comparison.”
Georgiana was quiet and he continued, “I may have acted hasty in the offer. It is customary for gentlemen in my position to take a three to six month Grand Tour of the continent to complete our education in society. Given your indecision, I intend to leave for Kent today and depart for France shortly. I need to test my feelings to see if they are constant. My offer of marriage still stands, but I may withdraw it at any time without loss of honor, unless you accept it first. . . . How long do you think you will need for a decision?”
Georgiana had not anticipated such a patient and gracious response. The Duke seemed like a man who would demand everyone to immediately fall in with his plans. She wanted ample time to consider her situation and replied, “Would my lord be displeased with a request for sixty days?”
“Not at all--better to be certain. Be assured that your answer, unless I withdraw first, will be honored. If it is negative, I promise not to persist in this matter and would then hope to remain your constant friend.”
The Duke rose and began pacing in front of the fireplace and finished, “My steward at Percy Castle will know my location on the continent at all times. Send your reply to him.” With this statement, he took her hand and leaned to kiss it. He turned and strode from the room. She did not see him again before he left for Kent that afternoon.
Georgiana flew to the south garden to be alone. She must become accustomed to thinking about a life with the Duke of Kent and let go of her love for Thomas! This was much easier stated than accomplished. Perhaps, her love could grow for the Duke like Marianne’s affection did for Colonel Brandon.
At this moment, she wished she had never been born! She did not want to leave Derbyshire, let alone Pemberley. She did not want to let go of Thomas. She was miserable. But, then, this is what made her decision a duty! If she had any desire for what must be her final decision, then the sense of duty would be greatly softened.
After some time walking in the garden, she returned to the portrait hall and sat down in front of the painting of her mother. She spoke to the painting, “If only you were here to tell me your wishes. . . . Do you want me to marry Lord Percy or continue to hope for Thomas? Do you want me to be a duchess and reunite the family? Your desire would help me make a decision.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Three days later, Elizabeth found Georgiana alone in the library, and quietly sat down across from her. After a minute of silence, Georgiana said, “I suppose it is natural for you to be curious about my thoughts concerning Lord Percy’s proposal.”
“Of course. However, your brother does not, in any way, wish to influence your decision. It must be yours and yours alone. My only purpose in coming to you is that you may wish to talk it over with another woman.”
“I am sorry if my reluctance to converse with you has created a barrier between us. I have needed time to sort out my feelings.” Georgiana paused and observed the look of compassion on her sister’s face, “I am afraid it is my duty to accept Lord Percy’s proposal.”
Elizabeth replied, “It alarms me to hear you speak of duty. Is not your heart inclined in this matter?”
“To be honest, I have very little affection for Lord Percy.”
“Then, why would you consider marriage to him?”
“I feel it is my duty. I think it is something mother would have desired.”
“And how do you know this?”
“Mrs. Reynolds suggested my mother’s preference. It makes sense to me that my mother would want to reunite her daughter with a distant relative of her own family.”
“My dear sister, while it is true I did not know your mother, from everything Mr. Darcy has told me, I sincerely doubt your mother would want you to marry without affection. With your permission, may I go and bring your brother here and solicit his opinion?”
“Oh! please do!”
After ten minutes, Elizabeth returned with Mr. Darcy, who strode into the room and sat down next to his sister. Elizabeth sat across from them. He took Georgiana’s hand and gently said, “Elizabeth told me you are troubled this morning about what our mother may have thought. My heart has almost burst watching your downcast countenance the past few days.”
“Dear brother, I think our mother would want me to marry Lord Percy despite having little affection for him. In doing so, it would reunite our family’s influence.”
“Is this what frets my little sister? You should have spoken sooner.” He looked away for a moment and sighed before continuing, “You were so young when mother died. . . I was only eighteen at the time. Nonetheless, I do not think mother would want you to marry without solid love and respect for your partner.”
“What makes you think so?”
“Mother and father simply adored each other. Their marriage was not one of property or design, but of love and loyalty. . . . Why do you think I searched for a woman so long? Among so many proffered women of status, I wanted someone I could love and respect as I do your dear sister, Elizabeth.”
“Did Mother not promise you to our cousin, Miss de Bourgh?”
“Yes and no,” he smiled. “Shortly before mother died, our aunt told me of Mother’s intent regarding our cousin. When I asked Mother about it, she said her sister, Lady Catherine, should not have spoken the secret. Mother said the idea, for the most part, was promoted by her sister rather than herself. Mother, realizing my opposition to such a plan, and the sickly nature of our cousin, released me from any obligation in the matter.”
Georgiana quietly asked, “Do you know if Mother wanted me to marry anyone?”
“If she did, she kept it a secret from me.”
Georgiana began sobbing. Mr. Darcy put his arm around his sister. After several minutes, she pulled back a little, and drying her tears with his handkerchief, she said, “My dear brother, thank you for your concern and wisdom. Would you excuse u
s? There are some other things I want to discuss with Elizabeth.”
Mr. Darcy stood, “Of course. Only, in the future if you wonder about what you think our mother would have wanted, please discuss it with me.”
“Thank you.”
The room was quiet for a minute after Mr. Darcy exited. Elizabeth ventured, “Perhaps, there is some secret which you are reluctant to divulge?”
“Oh, Lizzy,” she twisted the handkerchief around her fingers. “Yes you are right. I ask that you do not tell my brother--it would distress him so.” She paused and continued, “Despite all that has happened, I think I still love Mr. Thomas Staley. We vowed our love for each other shortly before the accusation; but now, I despair of whether he will keep his vow after the way he has been treated.”
“What a blockhead I have been!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “I did not think I was so far away from young love, at my age of one and thirty, to have missed the signs entirely. Your statement makes a good deal of sense in explaining your actions.”
“My heart is still not clear. I wonder that the fundamental question vexing me is whether I am comfortable with the possibility of remaining unmarried. It is one thing to rashly declare one will be an old maid, when there are no suitors; but, when there are handsome men vying for my affections. . . .” She sighed, “It is just the lack of communication from Thomas, and my occasional fear about the accusation, that haunts me.”
“My dear sister, there is little I can do to console you. My sister Jane is visiting next week and has quite a story to tell about waiting.”
“I desire to hear it. I never thought about what happened from her point of view. Oh! do tell me.”
“No, I think it best that you hear it from her own lips.”
One week later, on the morning they expected Charles and Jane Bingley, a letter arrived after breakfast and was given to Georgiana. It read:
My dearest niece, Georgiana,
The news has arrived about Lord Percy’s proposal to you. This is simply wonderful!
