Page 10 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Oh, yes… I have daughters and sons,” the gentleman said with apparent pride. “My eldest daughter has just married Mr. Bennet’s cousin, the one to whom Longbourn is entailed, and we have just returned from visiting her. Miss Elizabeth and I…and Maria...”

He continued to mumble, glancing at the illustrious hosts who were struggling to understand his explanations.

“So Mr. Bennet’s estate is entailed upon your son-in-law?” Lady Augusta enquired. “How fortunate for you and sad for the Bennet family.”

“We have become accustomed to the notion and we are doing our best to bear the distress,” Mr. Bennet replied, bringing a smile to Elizabeth’s lips. She held Jane’s hand while glancing around and wondering once again about the circumstances that had brought them to that house, in the company of these people whom she found difficult to like.

Shortly afterwards, Lady Sedgewick finally took her farewell, while two servants carried her out. Lord Barrington accompanied his aunt to the carriage.

“Well, enough of such serious conversation,” he said as soon as he returned, a large smile on his face. “Mother, I believe dinner is ready?”

“It has been ready for a while,” the lady replied.

“Excellent. Allow me to accompany you to the dining room,” Lord Barrington addressed the guests, while his friends and his mother led the way.

The conversation began slowly; the two parties were clearly separated by their manners and their interests and only the struggle for politeness made the time bearable.

“The Countess of Sedgewick seemed like a formidable lady. She did not appear unwell in the slightest,” Mrs. Gardiner said, to start the conversation.

“Lady Sedgewick is a remarkable woman; she had no children but she dedicated her life to helping others. She is the patroness of several charities, including two schools and a clinic. She also has a large private fortune, including several properties. But her health is poor. We are very blessed and grateful to have her with us yet,” Lady Augusta declared ceremoniously.

“She has no heirs, I understand? No close family?” Mr. Bennet asked.

“Lord Barrington is her closest relative. He will be her heir. Her late husband, Lord Sedgewick, was my brother,” Lady Augusta explained.

“They were both selfish, my father said, and always wished to have their own way. They were always compassionate and generous with the poor but they always demanded things to be done exactly to their liking. They were always kinder to strangers than to their own families,” she continued sharply.

“We are all related to the Egertons, but unfortunately through the female line,” Mr. Lambert explained, trying to sound light and amused. “And hopefully, we will all inherit a little, but Barrington will receive the most significant part if he complies with the demands set out by Lord Sedgewick in his will, and those further requested by Lady Sedgewick. Poor Barrington. As large as her fortune is, the rules and regulations almost make it not worth the effort.”

“Hardly. The fortune is worth any trouble, strife or struggle and it would drive anyone to accept any obligations,” Mr. St. Claire said seriously, emptying his glass of brandy in one gulp.

“Well, these are quite peculiar circumstances,” Mr. Bennet uttered while Elizabeth was stunned, wondering why they were being given all these intimate details.

“We should change the subject—this is hardly a conversation proper for dinner,” Lady Augusta interjected. “How impolite of us that we have bored our guests with the family’s issues.”

“We have no reason to claim any boredom, when we are in the company of such excellent brandy,” Mr. Bennet replied.

Lord Barrington tipped his head in a friendly nod.

“I am glad you are enjoying the brandy, sir. Mr. Gardiner, Sir William, I hope you approve of it too. A good drink is often a man’s best friend in times of need. My aunt, Lady Sedgewick, can be a little overwhelming, especially on early acquaintance, but she is an excellent lady.”

“She is overwhelming even after a long acquaintance,” Lady Colleen said. “She demands everyone follow her orders diligently. One cannot expect someone to neglect their own life in order to obey her requests.”

“She expects Barrington to marry a woman that perfectly fits her own image of accomplishment; that will never happen as their opinions on the matter are quite the opposite,” Mr. Lambert laughed.

“Enough on this subject!” Lady Augusta interfered energetically. “Dinner is served. I hope you are all hungry.”

∞∞∞

As they sat around the dinner table, Elizabeth exchanged glances with Jane, her father and her aunt. Everything that had occurred thus far was very strange and she was feeling very uncomfortable. The conversation had touched on a private matter that should never be revealed to strangers. For people of such consequence, it could not be explained away as a simple flaw. Elizabeth suddenly recollected her discussion with Wickham and the memories made her head spin while a peculiar perturbation further increased her discomfort.

She attempted to smile and be attentive to her companions but she met with little success. From Wickham to Darcy and their horrible fight was one step which her mind made easily, and her distress destroyed any enjoyment.

For the rest of the party the dinner seemed to progress pleasantly enough. The courses were all delicious and helped animate the discussions.

Lord Barrington’s noble friends—all part of old and rich families—showed courtesy and even friendliness to the Gracechurch Street guests. They expressed curiosity towards both Elizabeth and Jane, without any peculiar preference. Maria was still awestruck by the grandeur of the surroundings and of the company, so she remained silent most of the time. The Bennet sisters—feeling uncomfortable and uncertain about the reason for their presence in that house—were less talkative than usual and refrained from saying much except answering any questions posed to them. To these new acquaintances, they appeared shy and reserved, even more so by comparison with the other elegant and voluble ladies present.

After dinner, the gentlemen were invited for a drink and a cigar and the ladies amused themselves. Lady Augusta enquired further about Hertfordshire, about their extended families, about their customs in visiting London and about Mrs. Gardiner’s interests.