Page 139 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Darcy showed a weak attempt at a smile.

“Yes. Of course. I wish you all a safe journey to Brighton and all my best wishes. Good day.”

And with that, he was gone.

∞∞∞

For the remaining days in London, Elizabeth did not see Darcy again, but her fingers were still burning with the recollection of his touch. Disturbing thoughts troubled and embarrassed her. She tried to keep them away by filling her time with all sorts of activities. Lady Kendal’s solicitors called several more times to complete the settlement, which was ready to be approved by Elizabeth’s uncle and father. Elizabeth was distraught by its contents—even the amount of her pin money was enough to provide her whole family with the same comfort as they were accustomed to for the rest of their lives!

Before their departure to Brighton, Elizabeth and Lady Kendal visited the two hospitals. Dr Morton, who ran the first house, and Dr Godwin, the chief surgeon of the second, accompanied the ladies on their tour. Despite her complete trust in the two gentlemen and the experienced doctors, Lady Kendal never trusted the reports alone. She always wished to see and to judge with her own eyes, and she encouraged Elizabeth to do the same.

The hospitals were quite similar. They were nowhere near as large as the public hospitals, but the space was used efficiently. There were ten large chambers, arranged to provide comfort and care to as many as possible.

Four chambers were for adult patients with severe sickness. The doctor warned them against entering these room in only their day dresses, and Lady Kendal obeyed.

However, they walked through the other rooms with the doctors to scrutinise the cleanliness, the convenience, and the state of the patients. At their appearance, people recognised Lady Kendal, and each tried to move, bowing their heads respectfully. She responded with a warm, comforting smile.

Further rooms were for children of all ages. They watched them from the doorway, and the view was even more painful than that in the adult wards. Even from behind pain and illness, sweet angels stared at them with eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Elizabeth’s heart ached for the children lying in their beds fighting severe illnesses, and countless times she wondered what would become of them if Lady Kendal did not protect them.

A young woman almost jumped up from next to a bed where a small child was sleeping and bent in front of Lady Kendal, taking her hand and kissing it humbly as she sobbed.

“May the Lord reward your kind heart, my lady. My son would be dead if not for you. We pray for you all day long. We pray for our children and for you, my lady.”

Lady Kendal withdrew her hand and bade the woman stand.

“Please, my dear, you do not need to do that! Save your kisses and your tears for your son. With God’s will, he will be healthy soon,” her ladyship said kindly. “Go and take care of him.”

The woman withdrew, and the doctor closed the door.

Lady Kendal turned to Elizabeth, the emotion apparent on her face.

“When it comes to the children, I insisted that someone from the family stay and comfort them during their treatment. I was in a public hospital some years ago and I was horrified to see infants and small children crying alone in dirty beds, suffering from not only disease but also loneliness. I cannot allow that to happen here.”

“But that actually increases our expenses,” Dr Godwin observed.

“Oh, come now, Doctor! If we can feed thirty people, we certainly can feed fifty. We are such hypocrites! For a private ball we prepare at least five courses. These people are grateful for a bowl of soup. With the money we spend on one ball we could easily feed all the patients and their families for at least a week,” Lady Kendal replied with a certain severity.

The doctor appeared uneasy. “Your ladyship makes the decisions, and we simply follow your orders.”

“Only when it comes to expenses, Doctor. I appreciate your knowledge and your dedication, and I trust the way you manage those beneath you. But I do want to make sure the people who are in our care are treated well—in every way.”

“I understand your ladyship’s demands, and we are doing everything we can to comply with them.”

“I have no doubts about your success, Doctor!”

The conversation showed Elizabeth a new trait of Lady Kendal’s character. Her determination, persistence, and power were impressive and allowed no contradiction. In a certain way, she reminded Elizabeth of Lady Catherine, except Lady Kendal’s purpose and the reasons behind her obstinacy were utterly different and completely thoughtful.

In the carriage, once they had finally completed their duties and were returning home, Elizabeth still had many questions to address.

“We offer care and assistance to everyone who asks for it, but we can only afford to host those who are in a serious state,” Lady Kendal explained. “I would like to have more space, more doctors, more means—but for the time being, this is what we can do. With God’s will, we shall open two more hospitals in the countryside.”

“This is truly impressive. It is a gesture of greatness to take care of so many people,” Elizabeth said with the deepest admiration.

“Not at all, my dear. We only try to cure those who can be healed. It is a better use of money than to gamble it on cards or to waste it in stupid wars. Forgive me, I am not a supporter of men’s pugnacious interests.”

“Are there other ladies who support your charitable causes?” Elizabeth asked.