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

by Ted Bader

  I am confused by reports that you have not accepted it. Do not leave such a grand person in suspense for long! I understand the proposal may have come as a surprise.

  Do not worry if you lack rapturous feelings of love for him. Too much emphasis is given to such ideas nowadays. Consider it an honor to receive his proposal. It is every woman’s duty to improve her status through marriage! Since Lord Percy is the highest ranking bachelor in the land, you can do no better.

  You will make your aunt quite happy if you hasten to accept his proposal. Then I can feel that Rosing Park is staying in the family.

  Sincerely,

  Aunt Catherine

  Georgiana was amused and vexed at the presumptive tone in her aunt’s letter. She handed it to Elizabeth and watched Mrs. Darcy’s face begin to color.

  Elizabeth said, “As you know, Georgiana, I have also had to resist the will of your aunt.” They hugged each other and began to move to the parlor, when the servant announced the arrival of the Bingleys. Mr. Darcy joined them in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Bingley and their two daughters, Laura and Sarah. Laura was a pretty nine year old girl, with long blond hair, who looked very much like her beautiful mother. Sarah was seven years old, with brown hair and a very slender body. Sarah was quiet and rarely spoke, while Laura was always talking.

  Once they were all in the parlor, Elizabeth said, “Do you girls want to go out to the south lawn? Andrew, John and Maria are playing there now.” With this, the girls scampered off.

  Mr. Darcy said, “Charles, I have two new magnificent horses to show you. Let us go to the stables.”

  This arrangement suited the three remaining women, since they had much to discuss.

  “My dear Jane,” started Elizabeth. “We have so much to talk about. Georgiana and you are my two dearest feminine companions. You must give us your opinion of Georgiana’s dilemma; and, most of all, tell the story of how long you were uncertain about Charles.”

  “Do you really wish to hear about such a difficult time in my life?” replied Jane.

  “Yes, because it will help Georgiana; but, first let us tell you about her situation. Georgiana, do you wish to tell what has transpired with Lord Percy, or shall I?”

  “Please, Elizabeth, will you do so?”

  Elizabeth proceeded to tell the story of the Duke’s arrival and proposal. Jane was already familiar with Georgiana’s accident in London. She listened with amazement on her face as the story was told. As it ended she said, “Oh! I do not know why I should be surprised that such an offer came to one so accomplished! It is, indeed, a high honor! What are your inclinations in the matter?”

  “I have doubts about his character and cannot seem to work up anything more than a small amount of affection for him. Perhaps, I could eventually resolve these issues, but I think I am in love with another man.” Georgiana proceeded then to tell Jane about Mr. Thomas Staley.

  After finishing her version of events, Jane looked at her sister, Elizabeth, who was frowning and said, “My dearest Lizzy, did you really think these things of Thomas?”

  “Oh! Jane, you who always see the best in everyone and suspect them of nothing! It was not pleasant to do what we did, but it was done on consultation with both Mr. Darcy and Sir William Staley. Nonetheless, I am uneasy about the matter and the effect it has had on our beloved Georgiana.” The group was quiet for a few moments and Elizabeth continued, “Georgiana has now waited more than three weeks without hearing from Thomas.”

  “It feels like three months since I have heard,” sighed Georgiana, “nor do I know where he is located.”

  Elizabeth looked at Jane and said, “This is why I want you to tell the story of your separation from Mr. Bingley and the despair it caused.”

  “Lizzy is right. I can see similarities and differences. Charles left Netherfield suddenly for London one day without explanation. I felt that he loved me, but we had not made any commitment. Weeks turned into months and his sister, Caroline, led me to believe he no longer cared for me. I tried to convince myself I no longer cared for him, but when he returned unexpectedly, nearly a year later, all of my real feelings for him surfaced again. It turned out he had never stopped loving me, though his family had been trying to dissuade him from me. Eventually, his family accepted me.”

  “Did you hear from him during the separation?”

  “No. The lack of communication led me to doubt my love. I tried valiantly to put him out of my thinking, but in retrospect, I do not believe I was ever successful at doing it.”

  “Almost one year!” replied Georgiana. “I could endure such a time for Thomas, if only I knew he would return. Part of my problem is this cloud of accusation which made him depart. I am afraid he will never come back.”

  Jane said, “If it is meant to be, he will reappear.”

  Georgiana thoughtfully replied, “I am now certain that I shall be forever in love with Thomas. It may be unrequited; in such a case, I shall be happy as a so-called ‘old maid’. Only in this way, can my heart have happiness and hope.”

  Elizabeth spoke, “Your statement sounds wise to me. Shall we form a letter of reply to the Duke of Kent, giving your gentle, but certain, refusal?”

  “Lizzy, would you help me write the letter?”

  “Certainly.”

  The following morning, as they were composing the letter, a note arrived from London addressed to Mrs. Darcy.

  Dear Elizabeth,

  Knowing of the proposal between Lord Percy and your sister-in-law, we felt it imperative that we notify you of news from our nephew in Paris. This is information which cannot be doubted. It appears that Lord Percy is keeping a mistress with him during his stay in France. My nephew has seen this with his own eyes and several others have confirmed it. Unfortunately, this is all too common among the aristocracy here, and there is, apparently, little disapprobation of it.

  Your uncle and I leave it to your discretion as to how, or if, you will reveal this to Miss Darcy.”

  Warmest Regards,

  Your Aunt Gardiner

  Elizabeth immediately handed the note to Georgiana, whose face alternated between shades of crimson and paleness as she read it. Georgiana passed the note on to Jane and said, “This is shocking and shameful. To think I even considered his proposal.”

  Georgiana sat down and Jane said, “Georgiana, this shows you have good understanding of character. You formulated your refusal without knowing of his licentiousness.”

  Elizabeth agreed and then said, “My poor Georgiana, to be exposed to the likes of both Wickham and Percy.”

  “Do not pine, Lizzy,” replied Georgiana, “I was quickly over my infatuation with Mr. Wickham and with your help, avoided Lord Percy.”

  While Jane and Elizabeth looked compassionately at her, she paused for a minute and then sighed, “Is this libertine behavior common to all men? I cannot believe it of Thomas; however, this report of the Duke makes me worry about all men.”

  Elizabeth replied, “Do not fret so. I hope and pray, with all my heart, that you will find a man like your brother, who is not guilty of that fault.”

  “Or one like my Charles,” replied Jane.

  “Is there no way to prove the innocence of Thomas?” asked Georgiana.

  Elizabeth replied, “I have given much thought to it. I have heard of phrenologists who examine bodies and cranial features to determine relatedness and ancestry.”

  “How would that help us?” Georgiana asked in a puzzled manner.

  “If the science or art is as good as it is purported to be, perhaps, when this alleged baby of his is born, it can be determined with some certainty whether Thomas is the father.”

  “Oh, Lizzy, you give me some hope; however, we will have to wait another four months before the baby will be born.”

  “I can think of no other way; c
an you, Jane?”

  “I cannot.”

  Georgiana said in a resigned tone, “If this be the case, then I must prepare my heart to wait. I hope the outcome will be as good as yours was, Jane.”

  After supper, when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were given the letter, Mr. Darcy exclaimed, “What a foul villain Lord Percy is!” Similar other epithets were violently expressed by both gentlemen. Georgiana could not recall ever seeing her brother exhibit more righteous indignation, nor had she ever heard Mr. Bingley express such disapprobation.

  Mr. Darcy continued, “If I ever meet the wretch again, I shall tell him what I think of him. This libertine behavior may be winked at in some circles, but not in ours!” After pacing for another minute or two, he said, “Not that I doubt our beloved aunt and uncle, Lizzy, but I will seek one more confirmation of this report. If I find support, I shall inform my peers of this and he will never obtain the hand of a virtuous woman.”

  Georgiana blushed at the description of herself. She was glad that her entire family felt the same way about the Duke. What had previously been quiet and unspoken support for her to consider the Duke, became uniform condemnation of him. At least one part of her tri-lemma had been resolved. Now, where was Thomas and did he still love her?

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The next two months were uneventful for Georgiana and her family at Pemberley Hall. Elizabeth knew of her sister’s hope and sorrow while they both kept the secret of her love from Mr. Darcy, to avoid giving him additional pain. Georgiana realized her only hope lay in the examination of the alleged baby, and tried to console herself that the time period would eventually end, despite it feeling like an eternity. With all traces of headaches having resolved more than a month ago, she could sleep reasonably well most nights. Occasionally, however, she would be restless at night with fears that Thomas was truly guilty of the offense; in her nightmares, he would laugh at her naivete.

  One morning, after such a night, an urgent post arrived for her family. Her brother opened it and then handed it to Elizabeth and Georgiana who read it together.

  Dear Mr., Mrs. and Miss Darcy,

  Your aunt, the great Lady Catherine De Bourgh, is ill. The doctors do not give much hope of recovery. She begs your immediate presence in Kent.

  Sincerely yours,

  Reverend Collins

  Georgiana did not look forward with pleasure to the return trip to Rosings. Her aunt’s antagonism towards her beloved sister, Elizabeth, and the contrived introduction to the despicable Duke made her feel less than charitable towards Lady Catherine. Even though Catherine de Bourgh’s daughter, Miss de Bourgh, died five years earlier, her aunt still resented that Mr. Darcy did not marry the sickly girl, but chose Elizabeth instead. With each meeting, Georgiana could still detect hostility in her elderly relative towards Elizabeth. Lady Catherine usually would cover her disapprobation with good breeding; but, the attitude would erupt on occasion.

  At the time of Georgiana’s ill-fated visit to London, four months earlier, she had only vaguely felt her aunt’s manipulation of the affair with the Duke. Now, in retrospect, she thought she completely understood the overt role Lady Catherine had played in it. In addition to these justified, yet uncharitable feelings, Georgiana sensed a revival of her former fear towards her aunt.

  This would be her first visit to Rosings since the dissolution of, what many considered to be, a highly promising relationship to the Duke. While Georgiana was relieved that the Duke declared himself in another direction, she expected to be berated by her aunt for not being more vigorous in trying to capture him. Upon their arrival at Rosings, Mr. and Mrs. Collins greeted Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Georgiana as they stepped from the coach.

  “Mr. Darcy, what a great honor it is to have you visit us,” said Mr. Collins in his usual obsequious manner.

  “Thank you,” replied Mr. Darcy curtly.

  “And how is my cousin Elizabeth?” Mr. Collins asked, then immediately turned to Georgiana and said, “I am afraid you look a bit pale, Miss Darcy. I trust you did not find the trip too arduous.”

  Mr. Collins stepped back one pace and said solemnly. “I am afraid I have very bad news for you. Lady Catherine de Bourgh has worsened and has been ordered to bed by the doctors. She left word that she would like to see Miss Darcy upon her arrival.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Collins led the way through the large welcoming hall, up the elegant and straight staircase, to Lady Catherine’s bedroom. During the procession, Georgiana whispered into Elizabeth’s ear, “I do not want to see her alone. Please, Lizzy, come with me and give me strength. You are one of the few people who can withstand her displeasure.”

  “Yes, my dear sister, I shall come. However, my resistance to our aunt is never with pleasure,” replied Elizabeth.

  Mr. Collins opened the door. Georgiana and Elizabeth stepped in to see a pale, sickly looking Lady Catherine in bed.

  “I did not ask you to come, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Miss Darcy has asked me to accompany her,” Elizabeth answered quietly. “I shall remain.”

  “You have always been impertinent! I suppose you shall always remain so. . . then by all means, stay,” Lady Catherine replied.

  Two chairs were brought near the bed by Lady Catherine’s maid, and the visitors sat down.

  “Georgiana, I have called you here to express my disappointment that the Duke did not become engaged to you. You must be heartbroken. I am greatly distressed that one of my near relatives could not have been installed in the Rosing Park estate. As it is, since I have no heir, Rosings shall revert to the Duke’s family and I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you become a part of it.”

  “I am reconciled to the situation, Ma’am,” Georgiana replied honestly.

  Lady Catherine continued, “I hope you know that I did everything possible to forward your match with the Duke and to discourage your foolish infatuation with that tutor.”

  Georgiana did not know what to make of this last statement. What had Lady Catherine done other than introduce her to the Duke?

  Elizabeth seemed to comprehend the import and her face began coloring; she started speaking her thoughts out loud, “Now it is making sense--why the accusation came against the tutor at the worst time. . . why the departing servants were able to buy a house and land. Further, I recall those servants were here at Rosings before coming to Pemberley.”

  “What are you rattling about?” rasped Lady Catherine.

  “I see your hand in this matter with Mr. Staley.” With a firm, prosecuting voice Elizabeth said, “Did you or did you not, Lady Catherine, influence or bribe those servants to give false testimony against the tutor?”

  “You are one of the few people who would dare talk to me like that,” replied Lady Catherine with a little color entering her otherwise pasty white face. Energy began coming into her body as she sat up.

  “Once, Lady Catherine, you adjured me to tell the truth about my engagement to your nephew, Mr. Darcy. For the sake of the lifelong happiness of your niece, Georgiana, I now adjure you to tell us if you suborned false testimony against Mr. Staley!”

  Georgiana saw her defiant sister looking straight at Lady Catherine, who was hatefully glaring back at Elizabeth.

  “What have I to lose?” answered Lady Catherine as she laid back down. “I knew that threatening Georgiana with the loss of my favor would not influence her. She has been around you too long, Elizabeth, for that method to work. I admit to caring about the status of my niece and the purchase of testimony against the tutor. The interloper was a detestable dissenter anyway.”

  During the last sentence, Georgiana began to cry. She stood and ran from the room, past her brother at the doorway, down the hall to her usual bedroom at Rosings, and closed the door.

  Elizabeth then inquired, “And what of Lord Percy, was he in on the lie?”

 
“No. He was not part of the accusation. He did, however, respond to my encouragement.”

  Elizabeth stood and said, “Once again, Lady Catherine, you have wronged a loved one of mine; only now, I do not see how this evil can be undone. My opinion of you matters little, but I hope God will take notice of you with mercy on your soul.” Saying so, she left the room, closing the door behind her. She saw her husband pacing, with furrowed eyebrows and a worried look. He stopped when he saw his wife and spoke, “Something is wrong. I saw my sister running to her room looking very wretched. Pray, tell me. What is going on?”

  Elizabeth told him of the conversation between herself and Lady Catherine. She also told him that Georgiana had loved Thomas before the accusation. Mr. Darcy’s worried look turned into one of anger. He began pacing with deliberate steps. While doing so, he emitted short sentences, “I have been a fool. . . .I suspected something wrong at the time. . . .This one is much more grievous to bear than her last insult to me, since it is directed at my precious sister. . . What am I to do?”

  Elizabeth thought it best not to answer immediately. Indeed, her own heart was in the same turmoil. “Mr. Darcy, I am more to blame. I should have vigorously defended Thomas. I fancied myself having better judgement, after failing in my prejudices of you and Mr. Wickham. I persist in being a weak judge of character.”

  “I am equally, if not worse, a poor judge of character. Please, go and see what my sister’s disappointment is and what I can do.”

  Elizabeth went to the door of Georgiana’s room. She no longer heard crying, so she gently knocked at the door. Not hearing a reply, she slowly opened the door. She went and sat at her sister’s bedside. After several minutes, Elizabeth ventured, “Your brother and I were very stupid in our actions towards Thomas. Had we known of your partiality to him at the time, we may have acted with greater courage. Our compromise between the two testimonies was a greater evil than completely believing or disbelieving Mr. Staley.”