Page 134 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Perfect. Please do not share this plan with anyone yet, including your wife. At least not until Mr Darcy agrees to meet me.”

“Your ladyship may count on my discretion,” Bingley promised solemnly.

∞∞∞

Only a few days had passed since Lady Kendal’s ball, but to Darcy it felt like a torturous eternity. The shock of seeing Elizabeth and the announcement that she was engaged had wounded his soul so deeply that every hour, every moment, was a bitter turmoil.

That she would never be his, he had long accepted. That his happiness—if he ever was to know some—would never relate to her, he had admitted. But the notion that she would marry another man—although such an event was possible and even probable—was unbearable as soon as it became palpable.

Throughout the entire evening at the ball, he had tried to read her thoughts, her glances, and her expressions. Was she in love with that man? He was rich, to be sure. Much richer than himself and with a much better position and connections in society. And his grandmother looked at Elizabeth with almost the same adoration as Lord Alveston. So the marriage did have the full acceptance and support of his closest relative.

Lord Alveston was also a handsome man, despite the strain of his illness, and from what he had heard, he was well educated. Any woman could easily fall in love with him. He was ill, that was a well-known fact, but there were many other men with failing health who were married and happy enough. What did his illness imply? Was he contagious in any way? Could Elizabeth be in danger? Doubtful. Surely Bingley would not allow his expectant wife to spend so much time in his house.

The gossip about the astonishing engagement had spread all over London. Lady Catherine spoke of nothing else for the three days she remained in town. The Matlocks—usually more sensible—allowed themselves to be drawn into speculation. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam and his eldest brother, as well as everyone at their club, expressed wonder.

The engagement between Miss Bennet and Lord Alveston was mentioned—at length and in much detail—in several gazettes too. In short, it became the talk of the town, inducing Darcy to not venture much from his house, if at all.

If the decision had belonged to Darcy alone, he would have left London the day after the ball. But his sister and Anne—both staying in Georgiana’s townhouse with their own companions—needed more time to prepare for the upcoming journey to Brighton.

The doctors had agreed that the best medicine for Anne was the sea.

Lady Catherine, who used to accept any suggestion regarding her daughter’s health, had always been reluctant to leave Kent for long. Her opinion of Brighton was severely expressed on every occasion, as she found it a place with questionable morals, despite being preferred by so many members of the ton and by the Prince Regent himself.

To Darcy, Brighton was only a small and quiet town—at least as far as he remembered. His mother had spent a few summers there, and Darcy had only pleasant memories of the place. Therefore, as soon as the doctors suggested it, he convinced Lady Catherine to accept it.

It was established that Anne and Mrs Jenkinson would join Georgiana and Mrs Annesley in Brighton and would remain there till late August. It was a beneficial change for everyone and readily accepted by Darcy. It was also discussed that the wedding between Darcy and Anne might take place in the autumn.

A tall house on the beachfront was rented with a lovely view of the sea, easy access to the shops, and close enough to the Steyne. He planned to take the ladies to Brighton, and the colonel offered to keep them company on the journey. As soon as they were settled safely and comfortably, Darcy would return to Pemberley, where he hoped to find his lost peace.

Despite being occupied with packing, Anne and Georgiana found time to have tea with Jane and Elizabeth. Darcy was informed about the encounter but did not ask for any details. The more he heard about Elizabeth, the more painful his wound became.

Several days after the ball, at breakfast, Darcy received an unexpected letter from Bingley.

Darcy,

I am writing to ask you a considerable favour on behalf of Lady Kendal. Her ladyship is in need of help regarding matters related to her estates. As you can well imagine, she does have several people who are accountable, but she would like the opinion of someone else utterly trustworthy and knowledgeable. I highly recommended you, as I know nobody more suitable. I do not want to bother you or to interfere with your plans, and we would surely understand if you decline. However, if you have time and if it is not too troublesome, could you meet Lady Kendal briefly at her house tomorrow morning? I shall be there too. If you prefer otherwise, she is ready to meet you in any other place that is convenient for you. I hope you do not mind me asking you.

C. Bingley

Chapter 8

Darcy stared at the letter, dumbfounded. Lady Kendal was the owner of an impressive fortune which she had managed successfully for many years. Why would she suddenly need help, and why did she not trust the people already working for her? Was Elizabeth part of it? Did she know that Bingley had asked for his involvement? Did Elizabeth still want to speak to him? He had completely lost control when he had admitted that he did not hate her and implied the nature of his true feelings. Regret and remorse had troubled him since, while he struggled to imagine what she had thought of that revelation.

He briefly considered refusing, but he had no reason to do so. Regardless of any considerations, it was his duty to inspect the circumstances and weigh up whether he could be of service. He wished to avoid any speculation regarding Elizabeth. For the time being, Bingley’s request was in respect only of Lady Kendal.

Bingley,

I will gladly assist the lady. I shall meet you tomorrow morning at ten at her house.

F. Darcy.

The time that had passed between receiving Bingley’s request and the moment when he stood waiting for his friend in front of her ladyship’s house had been distressing for Darcy. More questions and concerns were added to those he was already fighting with. So when his friend arrived and they entered, he did so with nervousness.

Promptly at ten, Lady Kendal was awaiting them in her library, and a maid was arranging a generous plate of pastries.

“Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for coming so early. I did not know if you had enjoyed your breakfast yet, so please let me know if there is anything else you need.”

Both bowed and were invited to sit.