Page 200 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth embraced her with much affection and gratitude.

Lady Kendal’s words freed her soul from the cage that had trapped it for such a long time. The burden vanished, and her heart felt lighter than she could ever remember.

Later that night, after dinner and more conversation, Elizabeth finally withdrew to her room. There, in silence and solitude, she finally could cry until there were no tears left. She fell asleep at dawn, and not even the sunshine woke her.

Therefore, she did not hear Lady Kendal leave the house long before breakfast.

∞∞∞

Darcy was preparing for the day in a good disposition. Shaved and dressed, he glanced in the mirror and asked his valet to bring him some coffee to the library. It was very early, and breakfast would probably not be served for more than two hours, but he was not hungry at all. His mind was full of Elizabeth’s image and, while moving from his apartment to the library, he yearned for the next opportunity to see her.

All his worries had slowly disappeared. Wickham and Lydia’s presence did not seem to bother Georgiana much. Three years ago, sorrow and guilt had tormented Georgiana every time Wickham’s name was mentioned, but such reactions were long gone. The man was no longer a concern or a bother to him. The regiment in the North was a good option for Wickham, keeping him far enough away to protect the family from any foolishness he was expected to engage in.

Darcy’s reflections ended rather abruptly when Lady Kendal was announced. He almost jumped from his seat, being certain something terrible must have happened for the lady to visit him at such an early hour. When the lady entered, his fears seemed justified as she looked pale and disturbed.

“Lady Kendal! What happened? Where is Lady Alveston? What is wrong?”

“Do not worry, sir, nothing is wrong…I only need to sit for a moment. Forgive me for coming so early and so unexpectedly, but there is something of great importance that I must speak to you about.”

“But why did you not send a servant? I would have come immediately. Have you come alone?”

“Mr Darcy, calm down, please. Will you not come and sit with me?”

He did so, bewildered by the lack of answers to his panicked enquiries. When he finally sat, the lady looked at him with an expression of deep perturbation.

“Mr Darcy, I have had many painfully distressing conversations in my life, and this is certainly going to be one of them.”

“I cannot imagine why, your ladyship.”

“I finally understand. And last night I spoke to Elizabeth and she confessed everything to me.”

She looked straight into his eyes, and he could not hide from the shock of such a confession.

“I see...” he said, then stood up and took a few steps around the room. “Should I assume you disapprove? Otherwise, your ladyship would not have come to have this conversation at this hour.”

“You are a wise man, Mr Darcy. Do not be so hasty in your judgment. Why would I disapprove? And why would I dare to express my opinion if I did?”

“Then why…?”

“Why have I come to bother you? I am not certain either. I was too restless to stay at home. I understand your displeasure—you certainly must hold me responsible for your recent unhappiness. I am sure you blame me, even hate me.”

Darcy sat down again and looked at her tormented expression. “You are a wise lady, madam. Do not be so hasty in your judgment,” he repeated her earlier statement.

A sad smile appeared on her face and tears in her eyes.

“Lady Kendal, I am not certain what Lady Alveston has told you, but I assure you that not for a moment did I blame anybody else for anything that happened in the last three years, except for myself. And I certainly do not hate you. Why would I?”

“Thank you. Both you and Elizabeth are very generous. I am sorry I have come here, like a lunatic, to disturb your morning.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee or tea? I would very much enjoy some company. And, if your ladyship does not oppose, I would be delighted to escort you home.”

“Oh…well…a cup of tea would be lovely, thank you.”

Some moments passed before a maid entered with a tray of food and drinks, allowing them time to compose themselves.

“Elizabeth tells me you have not spoken privately yet. May I dare ask what your plans are?”

“My plans? I know Lady Alveston…Elizabeth is facing a difficult time now. Once her mourning period is over, she will have the liberty to decide her future—”