Legacy of Pemberley (The Pemberley Chronicles; Pride and Prejudice Sequel Series) Read online

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2010 by Rebecca Ann Collins

  Cover and internal design © 2010 by Sourcebooks, Inc.

  Cover image © Fine Art Photographic Library

  Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by Sourcebooks Landmark, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc.

  P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410

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  Originally printed and bound in Australia by SNAP Printing, Sydney, NSW, 2005. Reprinted July 2006.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Collins, Rebecca Ann.

  The legacy of Pemberley / Rebecca Ann Collins.

  p. cm. — (The Pemberley chronicles ; bk. 10)

  “The ... Pride and prejudice sequel series.”

  1. England—Social life and customs—19th century—Fiction. 2. Domestic fiction. I. Austen, Jane, 1775-1817. Pride and prejudice. II. Title.

  PR9619.4.C65L44 2010

  823’.92—dc22

  2010027075

  Table of Contents

  Front Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Foreword

  Prologue

  Part One

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Part Two

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Part Three

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  An Epilogue…

  Postscript

  Appendix

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Back Cover

  Dedicated to my husband, with love

  The Legacy of Pemberley is the concluding volume in The Pemberley Chronicles series by Rebecca Ann Collins

  Many of the characters will be familiar to readers of the earlier Pemberley novels, but inevitably, there are new faces and names. For those who need an aide-memoire, a list of the main characters is provided in the Appendix.

  Foreword

  To be invited to write a foreword to a book is usually both an honour and a pleasure, as it was when I was asked to do so for the fifth book in The Pemberley Chronicles series: Mr Darcy’s Daughter.

  This time, while it is still an honour, I am sad indeed that, with The Legacy of Pemberley, Rebecca Ann Collins proposes to “bring to a chronological conclusion” this charming and remarkable series of novels.

  While we cannot quarrel with the logic of the decision—for as Ms Collins points out, the series spans a period of some fifty years, which in the life of a family and a community is a solid block of time—her readers will surely grieve over it.

  Since the first volume, The Pemberley Chronicles, came into my hands, I have been absorbed, entertained, and continually surprised by the creativity and credibility of the author. It has been demonstrated in every following novel, in which she not only continues the lives of Jane Austen’s characters with impressive authenticity but also creates characters of her own who fit quite seamlessly into Miss Austen’s world. So much so that, occasionally, one has to stop and remind oneself that Cassandra Darcy or Jonathan Bingley are indeed not part of the original cast of Pride and Prejudice.

  Even more importantly, she maintains the social and historical context of the period, preserving the manners and ambience of nineteenth-century England to an extraordinary degree, creating for her readers not just another tale of Regency romance but a rich and rewarding experience.

  All these remain true in this final episode of the series, in which Rebecca Collins brings us full circle to understand the true legacy of Pemberley. As with Miss Austen herself, Ms Collins shows that it lies not in broad acres and stately homes, material wealth, or political power, but in the deeply satisfying values and conduct of the men and women whose stories are told with honesty, affection, and humour.

  Averil Rose

  London

  June 2005

  Prologue

  Jude Courtney was certainly not the kind of young man whose conduct might be expected to provoke an outbreak of controversy around the breakfast table at Pemberley House.

  Quiet, unfailingly courteous, and blessed with an amiable disposition, he was the least likely member of his family to cause consternation among his relations.

  Yet, on a pleasant morning in early Spring, as Mrs Darcy read over a letter from Doctor Francis Grantley passed to her by her husband, she exclaimed and expressed her exasperation at the conduct of her young cousin.

  “I cannot believe this. What on earth has possessed him? Surely, he must realise that in the present circumstances in which his family finds itself, this offer provides him with a splendid opportunity? To refuse it makes no sense at all,” she declared, without any fear of contradiction.

  Looking up from another document he held in his hand, Mr Darcy appeared to listen and comprehend, but withheld that immediate accordance that his wife clearly expected. His countenance gave nothing away either, which Elizabeth found rather vexing.

  “Do you not agree?” she asked pointedly, “do you not believe that the offer of a scholarship for Jude Courtney to study theology at Oxford under the tutelage of Dr Grantley, with the prospect of a future position in the church, is one that is unlikely to be matched?”

  On this, Mr Darcy readily agreed. “Oh, indeed I do. I cannot see that he could expect a similar proposition from any other source. There are not many people with Doctor Grantley’s capacity or his inclination to make him such an offer,” he said.

  “Well then? Is it not unthinkable that Jude should refuse it?” Elizabeth persisted. “I had not thought him so lacking in judgment nor so incapable of discerning his own interest.”

  It was at this point that the controversy erupted, for Mr Darcy had just been reading a second letter, this from young Jude Courtney himself, in which he had explained in simple but unapologetic words his reasons for turning down what he acknowledged as a most generous proposition.

  I have discussed this matter in great detail with Mama and believe I owe you and Mrs Darcy the clearest possible explanation for my decision, he wrote, and there was no doubting his sincerity.

  Understanding his wife’s frame of mind, Mr Darcy proceeded to read to her that part of Jude Courtney’s letter that was relevant to the subject under discussion, having first asked fo
r her indulgence. “I think, my dear, before you condemn him further, you should hear what he has to say on the subject. He writes:

  “While I am deeply grateful for the kindness that has led Doctor Grantley to make this most benevolent offer and appreciate very much its value, I feel that it is not something I can accept at this time.

  “It is not that I am in any way averse to the study of theology, but that I do not believe in my heart that I am a suitable candidate for this scholarship.

  “First, I have not an academic or philosophical turn of mind, which can derive the most benefit from such study.

  “Second, while my faith is strong and I am eager to help the many people in need I see around me, I do not believe that I can best help them from a position within the church. Indeed, were I to accept such a position in the Church of England, as might follow the course of study suggested by Dr Grantley, I should inevitably be cutting myself off from the poorest and most needy and neglected people in this community, whom I wish most desperately to help—for they are mostly people of the Catholic faith, who have little or no access to the services provided by our parish churches.

  The exclamation that escaped Elizabeth’s lips at this point, though rather unusual, did not prevent Mr Darcy from continuing to read:

  “There is also the important matter of the care of my dear mama, for who would look after her if I were to go away to Oxford? Mrs Darcy and you have both assisted Mama for many years, as have my uncle Richard Gardiner and my aunt Caroline, and I must place on record my deep appreciation of your help. Yet, it is surely her children who must care for her at this time. It is a duty that my sister, Jessica, has carried out without complaint for many years, and it would be unfair indeed to expect her to continue to bear this responsibility alone.

  “Perhaps at this point I should make it very clear that Mama has, in all our discussions of this matter, urged me to make my decision without taking any account of her situation; she insists that she is well able to manage here and I should do only what is best for myself.

  Elizabeth interrupted, unable to contain her feelings, for it was exactly this matter that had been closest to her heart. “Why then can he not see that if Emily could be persuaded to come to us at Pemberley, where she could have the best of care, with no undue strain upon Jessica at all, every concern of his should be settled?” she cried, at which Mr Darcy held up a hand and proceeded:

  “Besides, and perhaps most importantly, I find I have no inclination, no genuine calling to be a clergyman, and surely this should be the primary reason for accepting such a position. Were I to allow myself to be persuaded for financial reasons alone to follow such a course, I should feel I have practiced a most unseemly deception upon the church and those whom I seek to serve.

  “I trust, sir, that in view of all these reasons, which I have honestly and openly laid before you, Mrs Darcy and you will understand and accept my decision.

  “I have written in similar vein but not in as much detail to Doctor Grantley, begging him not to misconstrue my refusal and asking that he explain my reasons to his colleagues. I should not wish them to believe that I did not fully appreciate the honour implied in the offer that had been made to me.

  “Yet, I cannot help but feel that some degree of disquiet may follow, and I hope I am not presuming upon our relationship by asking that you reassure Doctor Grantley of my most sincere appreciation.

  “I remain sir, most sincerely yours,

  “Jude Courtney”

  Laying down the letter, Mr Darcy looked directly at his wife. “How do you answer that, Lizzie? Is it not the honest account of a young man of integrity with a strong sense of duty, who will not place his own pecuniary interest before his principles?” he asked and he saw that there were tears in her eyes.

  Elizabeth had no words to respond to her husband’s question. She knew that Jude was perhaps her cousin Emily’s most beloved child and so like his mother in character and temperament, the words may well have been her own.

  Recalling Emily’s early days in Derbyshire, when she had fallen in love with Paul Antoine and married him to care for him, knowing he was dying from tuberculosis, Elizabeth knew that Emily must surely have agreed with her son and nothing anyone could say would change Jude Courtney’s mind.

  * * *

  Emily Courtney’s memories of Pemberley went back many years, to her first visit there after her cousin Lizzie Bennet and Mr Darcy were married and everyone had been invited to spend Christmas at the family estate.

  Arriving a few days before Christmas, Emily and her elder sister, Caroline, had become involved in the preparations for the traditional party for the children of the estate and the debut of the now renowned Pemberley Children’s Choir. She recalled their great excitement as children, exploring the house and grounds.

  But, above all, Emily’s recollections were of an overwhelming sense of warm hospitality. Mr Darcy’s generosity towards his tenants and servants had been no less impressive than the cordiality of the welcome extended to his guests.

  It had been Emily’s first opportunity to observe him closely, and it had secured in her mind forever every good opinion she had heard spoken of him. Mr and Mrs Gardiner had always held him in high regard, and everything she saw and heard at Pemberley had confirmed their judgment.

  In the ensuing years, as her own family had been drawn closer into the Pemberley circle, with a business partnership between her father and Mr Darcy and later the marriages of her sister Caroline to Colonel Fitzwilliam and her brother Richard to Cassy Darcy, Emily was to understand more fully how very fortunate her cousin Lizzie had been to have married Mr Darcy. She experienced also the warmth and sincerity of his affection for her parents, extending to her sister and brothers as well as herself.

  Emily’s own close links with Pemberley had been forged in both good times and bad. She recalled Mr Darcy’s opposition to the ruthless landlords, who enclosed acres of farm and common land, ousting families who had lived there for generations, and his protection of the persecuted families fleeing famine in Ireland. On each occasion, he had been steadfast in his determination to help the poor and powerless.

  At other times, when disaster and disease had brought personal sorrow touching both Pemberley and her own small world, his kindness had been immeasurable, providing both comfort and practical help.

  Through the years, Emily had grown to esteem and love the man who had stood for everything she admired and believed in, giving direction to the community in which she and many others lived.

  Which is why she was finding it difficult to explain why this time, when it would seem to many observers that she most needed them, Emily had refused to accept the Darcys’ invitation to move to Pemberley, where she could live in comfort and be well cared for. Almost everyone who was a member of her family, and many who were not, had expressed an opinion on the matter. For the most part, they urged her to accept the Darcys’ kind offer; it was, they had said, the sensible thing to do.

  Her brother Richard and his wife Cassy believed it was wholly in her interest and would probably be more convenient for Richard, too, since he would not have to travel the extra distance to Lambton in order to see her, which he did dutifully every day.

  “It would be simpler and safer if you were with Mama and Papa,” Cassy had said. “Richard would know that they could send for him if you needed him, and he would be with you much quicker. Besides, would you not be happier knowing he was just so much closer?” she had asked, to which Emily had responded with a smile that she hoped they would not need to trouble her dear brother too often, bringing tears to Cassandra’s eyes. She, more than anyone else, knew how gravely ill Emily was and how anxious Richard was for her.

  But Jessica had been the most persuasive.

  “Dearest Mama, I know you wish to stay at Oakleigh, and I understand exactly why. Should you go to Pemberley, Julian and I will ensure that no one will interfere with your wishes or change anything at Oakleigh, except with your consent,�
� she had said. Well aware of her mother’s fears that Jude would be greatly disadvantaged if she left Oakleigh, Jessica had tried to reassure her.

  But Emily had her reasons and did not hide her concerns. “It would not be fair for me to expect Julian and you to fight for Jude’s rights, my dear, knowing full well that Robert and Rose will make every effort to reclaim what they feel is theirs by right. If I were to leave here, it would make their task easier. Your brother is gentle and easygoing, and they will persuade him that it is in his interest to allow Robert to manage the place while he works on the farm, and very soon, Rose will be the mistress of Oakleigh and Jude will be no more than a farmhand working for Robert. I could not in all conscience abandon him to such a fate.”

  Only when pressed by Jessica, who expressed her doubts that such an outrageous thing could happen, did Emily reveal that she had been visited twice by Robert already, once ostensibly to ask after her health and then again to put to her a “business proposition” involving Oakleigh Manor.

  “On the first occasion, he asked very casually if I had made any plans for Oakleigh to be managed when I moved to live at Pemberley, as he assumed I would.

  “When I declared that I had no intention of moving, he expressed his astonishment and claimed that he could not understand how I could refuse such a generous invitation from the Darcys.

  “‘Just think how much more agreeably accommodated you would be at Pemberley, with servants to look after you and every good thing available to keep you in comfort,’ he said and added, ‘My dear sister, we would all feel so much happier knowing you were there. Our minds would be more at ease. Why, only the other day, Rose expressed her deepest concern that you were here all alone with only Jude to assist you. Are you not fearful?’”

  Emily had laughed even as she repeated her brother’s words.

  “At least in that he spoke sincerely, for I am certain that Robert and Rose would be delighted if I were to leave this place; I have no doubt it is their intention to gain control of it by one means or another.”