Virtue and Vanity: Continuing Story of Desire and Duty (20 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

The following week during the Methodist class, Sarah again noted Andrew in attendance. She was not quite sure when he arrived, but it was sometime after the class started.

When a class activity allowed, she tried to look at him out of the corner of her eye. His expression was changed this week. He appeared to be listening intently to everything said. He didn’t frown, but smiled several times along with maintaining a relaxed posture.

Sarah scanned the cottage meeting area after the final prayer to find Andrew. He had slipped out again. Mr. Hand came up to her, placed a note in her hands and said, “Mr. Andrew Darcy said to give this to you.”

She waited until she was back in her bedroom at Staley Hall before opening the note. She hardly knew what to expect.

Dear Sarah,

You are an excellent leader for a worthy cause.

Andrew

She sat down and tears streaked down her cheeks. Drying her eyes, she looked at the note again. Oh, Andrew, she thought. I have misjudged you. I thought you were so against women directing such a group that you would not look at the situation fairly. If only I’d known this sooner. . . .

Her
undeception
about Andrew gave her remorse and hope at the same time. Remorse, since she had unjustly accused him of not honoring women writers and thought him unable or unwilling to change any prejudice he might have against women class leaders. Here was a man of outstanding character! The best of all men!

Hope then began to wash away the remorse. Hope that they could renew their friendship and, perhaps, even more.

Sleep deserted her, but happiness did not. She recalled Andrew’s proposal, she envisioned the warm look he gave her, felt the touch of his hand. What a wonder that such a man would honor me with a proposal and that I foolishly turned him down; however, at the time, I thought there were good reasons.

In her mind, the first two reasons had now been dismissed. She had misjudged him. Andrew certainly was not against women writers; and, he had shown
an openness
to new ideas in attending the Methodist class meetings to see what kind of leadership Sarah had to offer.  But, the third
reason.
. . seemed hopeless. Laura had stated that Andrew was intended for her. Sarah could never compete with her beautiful sister.

Yet, as she tossed and turned, a feeling began to grow in her that Laura was no longer a factor in Andrew’s life. She could not explain why.

Perhaps Laura has turned her attentions elsewhere.

Her heart then whispered that she must contact Andrew since she had asked for a period of separation after his rejected proposal. He had honored her request. Now, it seemed clear to her that it was her move. But, how was she to do it? Should she write? If so, what could she say? She now felt the uncertainty that men must feel when they need to initiate contact with the other sex. The feminine role of acceptance or refusal now seemed more of a privilege than previously. The heroines in her novels always handled these situations easily; whereas, in reality she felt perplexed.

She soon realized that this problem need not be solved before morning. Peace enveloped her heart as she fell asleep.

Chapter Thirty-Two

The following night, the inhabitants of Staley Hall were awakened after midnight by a mysteriously acting couple.

Sir Thomas Staley reached the door almost as soon as his servant turned to announce the visitors.

“Mr. John Darcy and a lady, sir.”

“Show them in,” replied Sir Thomas.

A hooded woman entered behind John and lifted the hood off of her head, while John stepped forward to shake hands. “Thank you, Uncle Thomas. I apologize for the late hour.” Turning to his traveling companion, he continued, “You, of course, need no introduction to Laura Bingley, or, I should say, Mrs. John Darcy.”

“You never cease to surprise me, John.” Pausing but a moment to regain his composure, he said, “Come,
let
us sit in the parlor.”

By this time, Georgiana and Sarah were standing in the parlor and greeted the couple.

John said, “We are come from Gretna Green as a married couple.”

Sarah noticed Laura was looking down at the floor--an unusual posture of humility for her sister. Sarah went over to her and sincerely exclaimed, “Oh, I am so happy for you.”

Her sister’s face brightened and they embraced for the first time in many years. They pulled apart and Laura said, “Will you forgive me for not inviting you to the ceremony?”

“You have my blessing, of course. I had no clue as to your attachment to John. I thought. . . .”

Laura put her finger to her sister’s lips and said, “Do not say it. . . I have always admired John, even if I said otherwise.”

The group sat down as John said, “I suppose you are wondering as to our late night visit. Laura and I are on our way to Liverpool to catch a ship for passage to Canada.”

“Are you not going to Pemberley first?” Georgiana asked.

“No, father would only try to talk us out of the voyage. I am tired of his fixing problems for me. I have vengeful minded pursuers and other problems to forsake.” Scooting forward to the edge of his seat, he earnestly continued, “Uncle Thomas and Aunt Georgiana, I want your promise that you will not tell my parents about our situation until we safely leave the shore.”

Georgiana looked anxiously at Thomas. Her husband said in his most diplomatic tone of voice, “Surely, John, you do not wish to deprive your mother and father the opportunity of a farewell?”

“It is not that. Given enough time, my father seems to be able to convince me of any position. My mind is set. I wish a clean start and the adventure of a new land.”

Thomas was quiet for a moment and then ventured in a tone of negotiation, “Your father may never forgive me, but I will offer you a twelve hour
headstart
before I inform Pemberley Hall.”

John replied, “If you must let them know after twelve hours, then you may do so. Please try to discourage father from coming to Liverpool. Tell him and mother we shall write regularly.”

“I will promise only the twelve hour interval. Now, is there anything you need for your journey? The resources of Staley Hall are at your disposal.”

“No, thank you, Uncle Thomas.
We have enough money for a good start in Canada and it is better to travel light.”

Sarah turned to Laura and said, “Is there anything I can give you?”

Laura looked a little sheepish and ventured, “Could I have a copy of your two books? I will treasure them because they come from you.”

Forcing back tears, Sarah arose and went up to her room and brought the requested books back to Laura, who was now standing with the others at the door.

“You must promise to write me,” enjoined Sarah, “since I shall not know where to write you.”

Laura embraced her sister once more, “I will write you.”

Sarah felt empty as she saw her sister and new brother-in-law leave by carriage in the darkness.

The implications of this sudden news did not strike her fully until she attempted to return to sleep in her own bed.

She might not ever see her sister again! Sailing to Canada was not like moving to a distant county in England where everything was within two to three days journey. Laura was the only living relative in her immediate family. Sarah rejoiced at the softened attitude of her sister and now had a multitude of things she wished to express to Laura.

Furthermore, this shed a new light on Andrew Darcy. She had been mistaken as to the intended link between her sister and him. Sarah grieved that she had so summarily dismissed him. How she must have vexed him with her objections. Would he ever reconsider? Her heart was growing in esteem and desire for him. However, she warned herself that she would probably never marry. Andrew would be her only and last suitor. At least they could be friends; but, what if he were to marry someone else? She could not bear the thought. She knew the jealousy evoked by such thinking was immature, but this did not help it disappear.

With such struggles, Sarah only slumbered until near dawn when she fell asleep.

When Sarah entered the dining room for breakfast at 10 o’clock the following morning, she saw only the Staley children. She asked Mrs. Stokes, “Where are Sir Thomas and Lady Georgiana?”

“They have already gone to Pemberley Hall to discuss last night. They said to have their fastest carriage ready for a trip to Liverpool as soon as they returned after 12 o’clock. Apparently, there was a communication that Sir Thomas could only give to Mr. Darcy at that time.

After breakfast, she went upstairs to pack a small bag and to put on a dress for the carriage ride. At the expected time, Sir Thomas and Lady Georgiana arrived hastily in their older carriage. The couple stepped down.

“Oh, sir, may I go with you to Liverpool?”

“Certainly.
Mrs. Stokes may watch the children.”

Sir Thomas helped Sarah and Lady Georgiana into the waiting carriage.

The second carriage took off with a jolt. Sir Thomas looked at Sarah and said, “Mr. Darcy was angry at us, as expected, for waiting the twelve hours to tell them about John and Laura.”

Georgiana rejoined, “However, he softened once he heard the entire story. He has no greater respect for anyone than Sir Thomas.”

Thomas continued, “They plan to follow us as soon as possible.”

After a few moments, Georgiana said, “I believe Andrew is coming with my brother and sister-in-law. Do you think you can face him?”

“There is no one to blame for his disapprobation but myself. I will have to see if we can rebuild our friendship.”

Arriving at the Liverpool docks, eight hours later, Sir Thomas was soon able to ascertain the frigate
Euterpe
, bound for Canada.

Directing the carriage to the pier, Sir Thomas spotted a ship’s mate and stepped out of the carriage. “Hello. Are you from the
Euterpe
?”

The man replied in a heavy
french
accent, “I be the first mate.”

Thomas switched to French and asked, “When will she leave?”

“In two hours with the high tide.”

“Where are the passengers?”

“In Stoneleigh Inn over by the church spire.”

Entering the inn, Sarah spotted her sister and ran ahead of the
Staleys
. Laura stood and embraced Sarah. The elder sister then said, “I have thought much since last night--how horrid of a sister I have been to you. Can you ever forgive my meanness and arrogance?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” sobbed Sarah as they held each other tightly. After a few moments, Sarah pulled back and said, “I have not always been the sister I could have been.”

“Nonsense, no one ever had a better sister. Besides, you are the only one that remembers our childhood at Bingley Hall and how much our mother and father loved us.”

The sisters then sat down and shared as they never had before. During their talk, Sarah overheard Sir Thomas getting all the necessary facts of where Mr. and Mrs. John Darcy were planning to settle and how they could be contacted.

An hour after their arrival, the door to the inn opened and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy entered, with Andrew following. Andrew spotted them first and dashed over to John. John stood and they embraced. Elizabeth, not caring about her dignity, ran lightly to Laura and embraced her.

Before much could be said, the ship’s mate entered and yelled, “All aboard the
Euterpe
.”

Sarah was glad she could follow behind Andrew and John as they proceeded to the ship. She could hear them talking. Andrew said, “England shall be deprived of her best swordsman.”

“That is one reason I am leaving. The dragoon is after me again for a duel. If I refuse him, my honor is in question. . . .”

Andrew interrupted, “And, if you fight him, you will surely win and become guilty of murder.” Andrew was quiet for a few moments and then said, “I hope you are not angry at me for being born five minutes earlier and becoming heir to Pemberley.”

“Not at all, my good brother.
I have wanderlust and could ill abide staying in one established place and taking care of it. The Almighty ordained our birth order in the most propitious manner.”

“Nonetheless, my good man, I would feel more comfortable with your staying in England so you could brighten my life periodically. . . .”

“And fight your duels?” John interrupted.

“But, of course, no one would threaten Pemberley if it was under John Darcy’s protection.”

“Now, you, brother, need to get married.”

“I doubt if anyone will have me.”

“Nonsense.
I am sure there would be ladies in waiting if you would only start searching.”

“I do not have the heart, at least for now. . . I plan to leave for Ireland in the near future to visit and old friend and think about my future.”

Sarah winced. At a time when she felt she could become Andrew’s wife, he had lost interest. It was all
her own
fault. Furthermore, he was planning to leave!

“Seriously, my brother, please visit me in Canada. I do not know if I shall ever return to England.”

“Lord willing, when you have established yourself, I shall do my best to come. I have heard there are many new plant species being discovered in Canada.”

Elizabeth approached and interrupted, “Is there any way I can dissuade you from this trip?”

“No, mother, once my mind is made up, it will not be changed.”

“Unfortunately, you sound just like your mother.”

Mr. Darcy stepped up, “I have always been proud of you, son.”

“Despite my difficulties.”

“Despite your difficulties.
You are always welcomed to return. If you need anything, feel free to ask for it.”

“Thank you, father.
A son could not ask for more.

John and Laura walked onto the ship amid shouts of blessings from their family. As the
Darcys
and
Staleys
returned to stay at the inn for the night, Sarah could not but help notice that Andrew avoided her.