Page 29 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy,” she said, trying to smile politely.

“I am delighted to meet you, Lady Barrington,” the young woman whispered, curtseying.

“Lady Barrington?” Elizabeth turned to face another voice—joyful and well known. Bingley approached her and bowed. “How lovely to see you? Are you alone, Lady Barrington?”

“Yes...My house is but a minute away. I have been to Lady Sedgewick’s house. We will leave London soon. We are going to the Barrington country estate,” she mumbled, trying to keep her countenance.

“I was on my way to meet Darcy and here they are. Have you and Miss Darcy been introduced? I will return to Hertfordshire soon but I am not certain exactly when. I intended to accompany your parents and sisters tomorrow, but I still have some unfinished business. Darcy just told me I should go, as he will take care of the rest. I hope I can do that...”

Through Bingley’s animated chatter, Elizabeth glanced at Darcy and met his eyes briefly. If she had any doubts about his opposition to Bingley’s reacquaintance with Jane or any suspicions that he might be interested in connecting Bingley to his sister, they all vanished in a heartbeat.

Still, his manners were more rigid and more aloof than ever, his eyes dark and blurry—as she remembered them from that dreadful proposal, and his expression frowning and stern.

If Bingley's return to Hertfordshire did not upset him, surely then the encounter with her did, and she could not blame him. No man in his position would wish to ever meet the woman who had offended him so deeply and so unjustly.

“I am glad to hear that, Mr. Bingley. I am sure my family will be happy to have your company. Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, it was a great pleasure to meet you both. Mr. Darcy, I cannot stay longer, but I must take this opportunity to thank you for clarifying my misunderstandings back in Kent and please be assured that it was helpful and enlightening.”

Darcy stared at her in disbelief. He did understand her meaning and for a moment, emotions coloured his face.

“There is nothing to thank me for, Miss...Forgive me, Lady Barrington. Quite the opposite, I owe your ladyship some apologies.”

“No indeed, sir. I beg you to forgive me, I really cannot stay longer, as I am expected at home,” she said, desperate to conclude the encounter.

She turned and hurried her steps until she reached the house. In front of it, she looked back and saw Darcy still in the same spot, staring at her, while Bingley was talking to Georgiana.

Her own stare lingered upon him for only a moment, then the doorman invited her in. She entered and hurried to her chamber and did not leave it until the next morning. Nobody asked about her, anyway.

∞∞∞

Two days later, Lady Elizabeth Barrington left London with her mother-in-law and her husband. In another carriage, several of his friends were following.

She was completely oblivious to the party joining them, but it was of little consequence to her. She knew several in the group and the others had been only briefly introduced to her. She had no interest in finding out more.

“I suggest continuing the same sleeping arrangement as in London,” Lord Barrington said. “The master suite is not properly arranged for the mistress yet, but there is a splendid apartment in the west wing. My grandmother used it.”

“It is splendid indeed,” Lady Augusta approved.

“Any arrangement will be acceptable to me,” Elizabeth assured them. “I understand that there has been no time for changes and adjustments. I look forward to meeting the staff and to assuming my duties.”

The two exchanged brief looks.

“There will be time for everything. For now, just enjoy your stay. I see no reason why we all cannot enjoy our residence there. That is my goal for the present.”

At that moment, Darcy’s words from the ball came into her mind—“I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.”

She ceased her own foolishness, ashamed to think of another man—even in the most innocent way—when she was with her husband.

She looked through the window, admiring her surroundings. The Barrington estate was spread out across open grounds and the road was lined with trees. The park was neat and colourful and the manor an impressive stone building, revealing the importance of the family that owned it. If nothing else, it was a lovely place for long walks, Elizabeth reflected, as the carriage stopped in front of the entrance. They all climbed down and Elizabeth looked around, waiting for some explanation from her husband.

He offered one arm to Elizabeth and one to his mother, yelling at his joyful and noisy friends to follow them.

They entered the house and the heavy door closed behind them. It seemed a large party, desirous to entertain themselves.

Elizabeth watched them, annoyed, upset and disappointed by her husband’s shallowness. Lady Sedgewick had just passed away and his only goal was to entertain himself—as he had just declared.

But not for a moment could she imagine the horrifying nightmare that would soon swallow her, nor the dreadful battle she would have to fight for her life from the moment she entered that house.

Chapter 10