Page 22 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Excellent. You may ask the cook to prepare anything you want. My mother will probably have dinner in her room. Also, the entire staff is at your disposal. You just need to ring and a maid will come. You may use the library and the music room as you wish.”

“Thank you, sir. I need nothing more. Lord Barrington?”

“Yes?”

“Tomorrow I would like to visit my father and Lady Sedgewick. Do you have any objections?”

“Not at all. You will have a carriage at your disposal. I only wish to know exactly where you are.”

“Of course.”

“Have a lovely day.”

With that, he bowed and left, leaving Elizabeth alone in the large, elegant apartment.

∞∞∞

A whole week passed after Elizabeth’s wedding, and she barely saw her husband at all. He attended his regular parties, visited friends and rarely dined at home. He also had friends coming to the house—men and women. Elizabeth was invited to attend a dinner with them only twice, and on both occasions she retired to her apartment early.

While she was alone she read, played the pianoforte, spoke with her mother-in-law briefly a few times, but mostly employed her time travelling from Gracechurch Street to Park Lane.

Her mother and younger sisters remained in London, while her father was slowly recovering. Elizabeth spent a little time with him every day, assuring him he had no reason for concern and that her husband was patient and kind to her, which she believed to be true. On one of those days, Elizabeth was stunned to witness the unexpected arrival of Mr. Bingley.

The gentleman’s appearance shocked the entire family. The introductions were made as he was a complete stranger to the Gardiners. The encounter was awkward and the manners wanting on both sides. Jane’s tumult of feelings took her to the edge of fainting and she spoke no more than a few words.

“Mr. Bingley, we began to fear we would never see you again. You left so unexpectedly and we never heard a word from you,” Mrs. Bennet said.

His face coloured with embarrassment.

“Mrs. Bennet, I apologise...I...In truth, I did not know you were even in town! I read the announcement about Miss Elizabeth’s marriage. I mean—Lady Barrington! I am honoured to convey to you my congratulations and best wishes in person, Lady Barrington.”

“Thank you, sir,” Elizabeth replied, distressed for no apparent reason.

“I actually sent Mr. Bennet a letter of congratulations to Longbourn!” Bingley continued.

“You did?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

“Yes. And the messenger returned with the answer that you were all in London and that Mr. Bennet’s health was not good. I searched for Mr. Gardiner’s direction, I asked along Gracechurch Street and I finally found it. Is Mr. Bennet better? I hope he is.”

Mr. Bingley spoke animatedly, glancing at Jane from time to time, although she kept her eyes on her lap. His narration revealed his effort—and consequently his surprising interest—in discovering them.

“We are delighted to see you here, Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Gardiner offered graciously. “My brother Bennet is feeling better every day.”

“I am glad to be here too, Mrs. Gardiner. How wonderful that Mr. Bennet is improving!”

“Indeed. With God’s will, he will recover, the doctor said.”

“If I may help you in any way, please let me know,” he continued, with a brief look at Jane.

“That is very generous of you,” Mrs. Bennet replied. “Did you hear, Jane? Is it not generous?”

Jane, pale and troubled, remained silent.

Elizabeth, however, interjected.

“It is such a pity you took so much trouble. It would have been easier if you had simply asked your sisters. They visited Jane here two months ago and could have easily provided you with the address.”

She knew she should have refrained from making the comment, but Jane’s long months of suffering deserved some compensation.