Hursley House from the south: the seat of the Heathcote family from the beginning of the 18th century. Now used as offices and a development centre by IBM.
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Hursley House from the south: the seat of the Heathcote family from the beginning of the 18th century. Now used as offices and a development centre by IBM. |
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| The 'Voyage of the Constance' is a story in itself. It was a beautiful and unique ship, the first of a whole class of frigates. Edmund, as senior lieutenant, had a significant role in the running of the ship - in effect the captain's understudy. He played the role meticulously and was clearly well regarded, receiving his promotion to commander before the ship returned to England. Not knowing the situation at home, he must have felt pleased and elated that his career - at 35 - was progressing so well and looked forward to his homecoming. He would have been devastated on finding out what had happened while he was away. A divorce from Lucy would have been an absolute necessity for both social and financial reasons. He was a member of an important and wealthy Hampshire family based in Hursley and he had to deal with both divorce and the attitude of moral outrage towards incest, strictly forbidden in the scriptures. But it is clear from the content of Lucy's last letter that Edmund behaved, without vindictiveness, in an honourable and compassionate way towards Lucy: they had been deeply in love. He must also have felt deep remorse and unhappiness that the Pacific voyage took so long. Some explanation for the delay is provided in the story of the 'Voyage of the Constance'. Had he arrived home just a few months earlier their tragedy might not have occurred. Having resolutely taken action to deal with the problems and take care of his two sons, Edmund could look forward to taking up his naval profession again. | ||