Page 19 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“You have a sharp mind, Miss Bennet. Or shall I call you Elizabeth, since you will be family soon? I hope you do not mind.”

“I would like that very much, your ladyship.”

“Good. Now—Cece here has been my most faithful companion for the last ten years. Since she was ten. Both my husband and I treated her like our own child. She had the best teachers and she exceeded all our expectations. She is incredibly bright—more knowledgeable than most men. She is often wiser and more even-tempered than me, and she is very talented at both playing and singing.”

“Your ladyship is too kind and partial to me. I do not deserve such praise. I am doing my best to benefit from your extraordinary generosity. I was given more than others can dream of and I wish I could do more to repay you,” the young woman said with obvious emotion.

“Nonsense, my dear. Elizabeth, Cece knows everything about my business and she has been involved in most of my charities since she was a girl. I trust her with my life. She took care of my husband when he was ill and now she is always by my side. She will help you when I am gone too—if you wish it.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“I hope to have the chance to become better acquainted with Miss Cecilia and with your ladyship. I would be grateful for any help she might provide me, as I am lost and I will remain so—probably for a long while. But I am praying to have your ladyship guiding me.”

“Sadly, I am afraid that will not be the case, my dear. Cece, darling, would you allow me some privacy with Miss Bennet?”

“Of course. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet,” the young woman said, leaving the chamber after a brief curtsey.

Once they were alone, Lady Sedgewick’s tone changed and her gaze sharpened.

“Elizabeth, let us speak openly. I might be old and ill, but my mind is still quite clear. Do not believe I am a fool.”

“I would never believe that,” Elizabeth replied, bearing the scrutiny and expecting to face the harshest censure. The sudden change in the conversation startled her.

“Good. I am fully aware that this hasty marriage is an arrangement meant to ensure my nephew unrestrained rights over the inheritance that he has been waiting for for more than five years. The moment he invited your family to dinner, I knew he planned to marry one of you. I would have expected him to prefer your sister, but apparently, I was wrong. My nephew is not an easy man to read; he is predictable only in his inclination towards entertainment and dissipation. As for you, considering your family’s situation, I am sure this union will be most advantageous.”

Embarrassment, shame and misery silenced Elizabeth.

“I can see you are troubled—do not worry, I am the last woman to condemn an arranged marriage. I never fantasised about seeing my husband’s nephew in a genuine loving relationship. Both my husband and I wished to be certain that he would find an honourable woman, of stronger character than himself, to protect at least some of the inheritance and to carry on the projects of my heart. Be sure that I have hired men to enquire after your family, your education and your nature, Miss Bennet. They have been searching around Longbourn since the day I met you.”

Elizabeth could not conceal her astonishment. Lady Sedgewick smiled condescendingly.

“Surely I would not have given my consent otherwise. You see, our fortune is being protected by two trustees, most honourable and reliable gentlemen, with thorough knowledge of the law. There are very peculiar requirements.”

“I have been told that,” Elizabeth confessed in a low voice. “I remember your ladyship mentioning it when we met, and Lord Barrington has been fair enough to not deceive me by claiming false reasons for his marriage proposal.”

“I am glad to hear that. When my husband passed away five years ago, my nephew was only granted an annual income, due to some concerns my husband and I shared. His access to the rest of the fortune was restricted by clear demands. He was required to marry a gentleman's daughter, with good character and proper education, that would meet my and the trustees’ expectations.”

Again, Elizabeth remained silent. Such restrictions on a man in his late twenties was uncommon. Lady Sedgewick watched her intently.

“Miss Bennet, regardless of what you will be told, my husband had sound reasons to show prudence that might appear excessive to some. My nephew is a pleasant companion but not a reliable man. He has wasted a significant part of his own parents’ fortune—the part that was left from his equally unwise and reckless father.”

“I was not aware of that,” Elizabeth whispered.

“Most of those who know him are acquainted with his habits. Sadly, these are not uncommon among his friends—most of his regular companions are the same. Including our more distant relatives that hope to inherit something from us. It was such a disappointment for me and my husband.”

The lady paused to gulp some tea; she looked tired and Elizabeth hurried to take the cup from her cold hands.

“We were not blessed either with children or with relatives to comfort us. We even tried to find a way to make Cecilia our heiress, but of course, that was impossible. Not only because she was black, but also because she was a woman. She is ten times better than our blood relatives and still, she is treated as if she is nothing outside this house.”

A shiver ran along Elizabeth’s skin. “I am sorry to hear that, your ladyship. Everything that you told me...I did not know...”

Lady Sedgewick frowned. “You appear to be honest, Elizabeth. Your neighbours in Meryton spoke very highly of you and your eldest sister. I do not doubt their sincerity, as my men’s identity remained undisclosed and all discussions were carried on as mere gossip.”

“Your ladyship’s diligence in sketching my true character is understandable.”

“I am glad you understand. You must be aware that your position will bring many advantages for your family and yourself. Aside from what my nephew offers you through the settlement—which, by the way, I would advise to be carefully read by a solicitor—more benefits will come to you from our side. You will have some additional pin money, several sets of jewels, and so on. Much more than a girl of your situation in life could hope for.”

Elizabeth listened, her eyes holding the lady’s severe scrutiny. There was nothing she could say that would not sound hypocritical.