Virtue and Vanity: Continuing Story of Desire and Duty Read Online Free PDF Page A

considered her mother and father to be the happiest, jolliest people in the world.
     
    The night before the death of her mother, Sarah was called to the bedside. She would never forget the hollow face of her mother. She always wanted to remember the beautiful woman in the magnificent green dress, wearing the elegant necklace, portrayed in the picture displayed in the family gallery.                                                                                    
    Her mother said in a weak voice, as she drew her youngest daughter to her, “I will not live much longer. There, there, do not cry, Sarah. The redeemer has a place prepared for me and all those who follow him.” She paused and drew a deep, ragged breath before continuing, “Please promise your mother you will always think the best of people and choose goodness.”
    “I will, Mama,” was all the reply Sarah could make before she buried her face in her mother’s gown.
    “Remember,” her mother continued, “that cultivation of the mind and virtues of the heart will lead to personal loveliness.” Continuing her hold on Sarah, she drew Laura near.
    “Laura, you are richly endowed with the dangerous gift of beauty; hitherto, you have escaped from the snares of folly and frivolity. My heart’s prayer for you is that you may be safe from the dangers that await you, in the passions of others, and in the tenderness of your own heart.”
    “I will try to be good, mother,” Laura sobbed.
    Two days later, as Sarah watched the casket borne by pallbearers go down the avenue and turn right, she felt her mother had departed from her forever. Her father never recovered from his broken heart and he seemed to just dwindle away. He died just a few years later.

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
    The next morning, the Darcy offspring arrived at the embassy. Sir Thomas, Georgiana and Sarah were at the carriage to greet Maria, Andrew, and John as they stepped down.
    Maria descended first and moved to hug her aunt and uncle. “I have missed you both so much.” Looking between the twosome , she said, “I see you still glow with love for each other.”
    Georgiana pulled back, “Are you not a little old to be so impertinent?”
    “Without my ‘impertinence’, you two would have never gotten together,” Maria laughed. “Besides, now that you are not close by to tutor me, mother says there is little hope of my becoming a refined lady.”
    Then, another feminine voice was heard, as Laura Bingley stepped down to a surprised receiving group. “So, I decided to come along and see that she behaved herself properly.”
    Reaching out to hug Laura, Georgiana said, “We did not expect that you were coming; but, it is a delightful surprise.”
    Laura replied, “I found out about the trip and decided to tag along at the last minute. I have so wanted to see the elegance of Paris for myself.” She turned to Sarah and said, “Are you taking advantage of everything this romantic city has to offer? You must tell me all the details of the wonderful things you have done here.”
    “Actually, I have done very little other than helping in the embassy.”
    “Just what I suspected,” Laura replied in a superior tone. “It looks like I shall have to lead the way to fashion and favor.”
     
    By this time, Andrew and John were out of the carriage. Andrew said, “Uncle Thomas, it is most pleasing to visit you. I hope we will not burden you too much.”
    “Not at all,” Sir Thomas replied. Then he added with a smile, “Of course, I am assuming that John has outgrown his propensity for pulling pranks.”
    John put on a very serious face, “Why Uncle Thomas, why ever would you worry about such a thing. I have certainly matured beyond childish behavior.” As he reached out to briefly hug Thomas, he added, “Besides, if you recall, I learned at an early age that it was not wise to play tricks on you. You are better