Page 18 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Later on, Elizabeth had another painful conversation with Jane—who was still abed. As much as her sister’s worries, tears, and begging grieved her, Elizabeth remained steady to her resolution.

Therefore, on the same day around noon, when Lord Barrington called again, he was invited to the library, where Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner waited.

The earl’s joy and relief were obvious and he expressed his delight with great eloquence. Several minutes later, Elizabeth excused herself and allowed the gentlemen to discuss and settle business, while she returned to her chamber. There, she threw herself on the bed, sobbing, hoping the tears she released would ease the burden on her heart.

Chapter 6

Days came and went, and Elizabeth continued to be pushed along and spun around in the emotional storm that had enveloped her..

She wrote to her mother at Longbourn, mentioning both her engagement and her father’s illness. An express was sent and the rider instructed to wait for Mrs. Bennet’s reply. Mrs. Bennet did not own a carriage to travel all the way to London, so Elizabeth hoped her mother and younger sisters would remain at home—but such an expectation was improbable.

Lord Barrington applied for a special licence—expected to be granted in five days. The engagement became the talk of the ton and was announced in all the newspapers.

Lady Augusta visited Elizabeth, expressing her support and joy and calling Elizabeth ‘daughter’.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Bennet’s state improved slightly on the second day after the engagement. Both doctors remained sceptical about his future recovery, but the progress was undeniable. He recovered enough to open his eyes occasionally, to whisper a few incoherent words, to react to the voices around him and even to gulp drops of tea from a teaspoon.

Despite the doctors’ prudence, joy and gratitude enveloped Elizabeth. She had reasons to hope and to believe her prayers had been listened to, balancing her heavy heart concerning the wedding.

On the third day of her engagement, Lord Barrington presented himself to Mr. Gardiner, with the settlement prepared for Elizabeth.

On the same day, Lady Sedgewick invited Elizabeth to a private conference. Lord Barrington accompanied her to the door, then left.

“The carriage and the servants will wait for you, Miss Bennet,” he said politely, then bowed and took his farewell.

Elizabeth watched him leaving, with a lump in her throat. She had no different feelings for him than for any other gentleman of her acquaintance and he had made no effort to build any sort of bond between them.

He seemed as relieved to be away from her as she was from him—and they were expected to wed in a few days.

Whenever her mind was freed from turmoil for a moment, she recollected that only weeks had passed since she had rejected the proposal of a man who declared to have loved her ardently. A man who she had despised and misjudged. A man who at least she knew well enough, if only from their constant disagreements. A man with good traits and faults—all familiar to her.

Lady Sedgewick’s house was majestic on the outside. The doorman invited her in, then a maid led her along a large hall, past a gallery of paintings. Elizabeth felt awkward and lonely as her steps sounded on the floor.

Eventually, they entered a large chamber which Elizabeth believed to be a drawing-room. It was arranged as a bed-chamber, with a large bed placed close to the windows, and a sofa, two small tables and several other chairs spread around.

Lady Sedgewick, elegantly dressed, with her hair perfectly arranged, was sitting on the bed, her back resting against several pillows.

Near her, there was a beautiful, young black woman with curly hair and enquiring eyes.

“Miss Bennet! Thank you for coming at such short notice. Come in! Take a chair and sit near me, we have much to discuss. Jenny, bring us some refreshments please,” she addressed the maid.

The orders were obeyed; despite the lady’s harsh tone, Elizabeth could see she was pale, thinner and obviously weaker than the last time she had seen her.

“Miss Bennet, this is my protégée—Cecilia. I call her Cece. Does her presence bother you?”

Elizabeth was genuinely puzzled. “Why would it bother me?”

“Because she is black, of course. I hope you will not be so hypocritical as to pretend you did not notice,” Lady Sedgewick answered mockingly.

Elizabeth glanced at the young woman, who seemed amused by the statement.

“I certainly noticed, but I do not understand why it would bother me. I have dark hair and dark eyes. Is your ladyship bothered by it?” Elizabeth asked in complete earnest.

Both women remained disconcerted for a moment, then Lady Sedgewick began to laugh.

“Oh dear, what a perfect reply! I wish I had thought of it sooner, to use it against all those pompous fools who were offended by Cece’s company. Very good answer.”

“I am glad your ladyship is amused. My response was honestly the first thing that crossed my mind.”