Page 24 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Is there anything we can do?”

“I am afraid not, Lady Barrington. The doctor is watching over her.”

“Cece, do you think she is in pain?”

“I am not certain. The doctor prescribed her some tea which seems to comfort her. And she never complains. Lady Barrington?”

“Yes?”

“Lady Sedgewick is very fond of you. She says you were her blessing. She trusts you implicitly—she is certain you will carry on her legacy and her charities.”

Elizabeth’s eyes moistened. “I certainly do not deserve such praise. But I shall do my best not to disappoint her. I pray that we have more time with her.”

That afternoon, Elizabeth remained with Lady Sedgewick for longer than usual. The lady seemed in a good disposition for conversation once she woke up. She chatted with Elizabeth, asked about her father’s health and about the rest of the family, related some stories from her youth, then asked for some private moments alone with her.

Once Cece had left the room, Lady Sedgewick took her hand.

“My child, tell me, how is your marriage so far?”

“My marriage? As I expected...” she replied reluctantly.

“How is my nephew treating you? Be honest!”

“Very well, indeed. In fact, I have barely seen him. He promised me he would be patient and he is. Each of us is continuing with our previous habits.”

“I see...and your mother-in-law?”

“Lady Augusta is also keeping to her usual habits. We hardly meet except for breakfast and dinner—sometimes.”

“Elizabeth, I wish to talk to you about Cece. I noticed you two are comfortable with each other.”

“I hope so...”

“I waited for you to know her better before telling you the whole story. Her mother was a servant. I do not know how she arrived at our door, asking for employment. We never knew who her father was. Besides her dark skin, her birth and her past are further reasons for rejection. Her personal qualities and accomplishments will never compensate for the flaws she has inherited.”

Elizabeth waited in silence.

“What do you think of that?”

“I think it is a pity that one’s situation in life is more important and carries more weight than one’s own worthiness. But there is little we can do to change that.”

“True. I already told you that I had purchased a small cottage in Surrey in her name. It has three bedchambers, rooms for a few servants and a small garden. It is located near a lovely little village called Ripley. I bought it for her, to be sure she will benefit from it her entire life and also to leave it to her children if she has any.”

“Yes, your ladyship already mentioned that to me. Is there anything I should do?”

“No. The property is already in her name. But I have agreed with Cece to keep the location secret. You must know your husband and mother-in-law would strongly oppose this arrangement, if they knew about it. They cannot accept that Cece might receive anything after I die. This is why I am giving her what I can while I am still alive.”

Elizabeth’s eyebrow arched. “I am sorry to hear that. However, as your ladyship mentioned, there is nothing any of us can do, since the papers are in order. The property belongs to her already.”

“Indeed. Except they might upset Cece and humiliate her. And even worse. I would like for her to live in this house, since you will absolutely need her help. But this house is part of my nephew’s inheritance, so I imagine he will throw her out as soon as I die.”

“I promise you that will not happen, your ladyship! Besides, what would he gain from such a gesture? As far as I remember, this house can be used but not sold for the next ten years. Lord Barrington has a beautiful house nearby. Why would he oppose someone taking care of this one, at least until another purpose for it is found?”

“Elizabeth, you are too kind and genuine. I wonder if you will have the strength to fight all these battles and to win them. You have only your uncle to support you, and he has not enough power to stand against the Barringtons. The trustees and my executor can only help you with legal matters, nothing else.”

“Your ladyship, you must not worry. Everything is clear—there is no battle to fight, we must simply follow the legal requirements. You have my heartfelt promise that Cece will benefit from everything you wish her to. This is not a matter for debate.”

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