Page 21 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Specific mentions were made of Lord Barrington’s future children—boys or girls—born from his respectable marriage.

Even more was added from the Sedgewick’s private fortune: a larger amount of pin money at Elizabeth’s disposal, more sets of jewels than Elizabeth cared to remember, but also countless requirements and responsibilities. Cece was also specifically nominated in the will. There were also clear indications for each property, for the tenants, for the staff, for the two schools—one for boys, one for girls—that also sheltered orphans.

Elizabeth enjoyed talking to Lady Sedgewick more with every visit; she was enchanted, impressed by the older lady, thankful for the chance to know her and overwhelmed by the trust bestowed upon her. She also grew more fond of Cece, whose accomplishments were apparent for anyone who wished to see them. And the young woman’s talent at the pianoforte, as well as her voice, were exceptional. With astonishment, Elizabeth found that Cece had never performed in public, as none of Lady Sedgewick’s acquaintances were willing to bear her company.

“It matters little to me,” Cece declared, as Lady Sedgewick blamed people’s silliness. “I feel blessed that I have had the chance to learn to play and sing. I am content to enjoy the music for your ladyship and for my own soul. I am not at all desirous to perform for strangers.”

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat, as the statement brought back painful memories that she struggled to forget. For a moment, she reflected that perhaps the only person whose talent might match Cece’s was Miss Georgiana Darcy. From what she had heard, of course. But such musings were ridiculous. She would likely never see Mr. Darcy again, nor would she meet his sister. It was absurd to even consider a connection between Miss Darcy and Cece.

And yet, all sorts of thoughts regarding Darcy kept bothering her. As the date of her wedding approached, she could not stop reflecting on the other marriage proposal she had refused.

Her relationship with Lord Barrington did not improve much, as they barely met. He attended her conversation with Lady Sedgewick once and only very briefly; again, Cece was absent.

During his short stay, the young earl agreed with everything his aunt said, promised to follow her recommendations and to support his wife. However, an hour later, he became restless and lost interest, then excused himself, claiming he had a previous engagement.

“My nephew will not be the husband you deserve, Elizabeth,” Lady Sedgewick declared when they were alone.

Elizabeth could give no answer.

“He is handsome and pleasant enough—which might help in the most private aspects of your marriage,” she continued and Elizabeth blushed violently. She had not considered such details, since Lord Barrington had not even kissed her hands since they became engaged.

“But he is shallow, a waster, spoiled and unreliable. Thank God, you will have both the means and the space to live your life in peace. Give him a child or two, then move into this house and find yourself a gentleman to attend to your needs.”

Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock.

“Your ladyship!”

“Oh, hush girl! You would be a fool to do otherwise! You will be responsible for so many lives—surely you must find someone to be responsible for your own pleasure!”

Seeing Elizabeth’s astonished expression, Lady Sedgewick began to laugh so loudly that soon she choked and began to cough.

“My dear, I am so sorry I will die soon. It would have been exceedingly diverting for me to guide you towards your complete happiness. I am also sorry that my nephew is such an unworthy man. But then again, if he was better, we would not have put so many demands on his inheritance and he would not have married you. Do not take offence.”

“I certainly will not...but your ladyship says things that....”

Elizabeth’s face was crimson and her amusement appeared in the form of a smile that twisted her lips. Lady Sedgewick laughed again and this time Elizabeth joined her; what else could she do? She was forced to choose between laughing or crying at her poor excuse for a marriage that she would be trapped in for the rest of her life.

∞∞∞

The wedding day was dark. Clouds covered the sky, as well as Elizabeth’s heart. The Gardiners and Jane were equally tormented and lost in sad silence. In contrast, Mrs. Bennet and her youngest daughters were beside themselves with joy, making plans for the future season. Mr. Bennet—with whom Elizabeth had spent the entire morning—was devastated by sadness and his silence, as well as the tears falling down his cheeks, left Elizabeth feeling brokenhearted.

Their party arrived at the church a little before the established hour.

Lord Barrington attended with his mother and his three friends, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Blackmore and Mr. St. Claire. Lady Sedgewick’s solicitor and the trustees also came to witness the service.

The ceremony was quick and simple. Afterwards, the whole party removed to the Barrington townhouse, with a brief stop at Lady Sedgewick’s home, where she offered her congratulations and best wishes.

The wedding breakfast was rich and elegant, much to Mrs. Bennet's loudly-expressed admiration. The conversation was scarce and awkward and by the afternoon, all was done. The party split up, her relatives left and Elizabeth was alone. In that moment, when she realised her loved ones were no longer with her, a sense of panic enveloped Elizabeth. She told herself that she was being silly, but could not escape the unreasonable fear.

“Miss Bennet...Forgive me, Lady Barrington,” her husband addressed her. “Please let me show you your apartment. Since we married in haste and we have not...become accustomed to each other yet...I promised you that you would have time to adjust to your new situation...I decided to arrange one of the guest suites for you. I thought it would be awkward for you to share the master suite with me so soon.”

“Thank you, sir. I am very grateful for your understanding. It would be a perfect arrangement, indeed.”

“I shall be out, having dinner with some friends tonight. It is an engagement that was fixed long ago and it would be rude to change it. I hope you do not mind.”

He had excluded her from his plans, and she felt relieved.

“Please do not change any of your plans for me, sir. I will be perfectly happy by myself, with a book.”