Legacy of Pemberley (Pemberley Chronicles #10)

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From the 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 for 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.