Page 33 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“It would have been impossible to be more closely related to you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth replied sternly. “I have eventually discovered why Lord Barrington wished to marry me—a woman he barely knew, from a family with no connections and of no consequence. Precisely because of this! He chose someone that could not oppose his plans. Or so he believed. He expected that I was worth too little for someone to be concerned about my fate, and my family was too weak to confront him. It is well known that an earl would never be prosecuted, as terrible as the charges might be. And he likely expected me to be weak, too, either to surrender to his will or to become part of his schemes. His only purpose was to gain control of Lady Sedgewick’s fortune and to waste it on his own pleasures.”

“How dare you? My son gave you everything! He saved your family from misery! He gave them more than they ever had!”

“Only because it served his purpose, Lady Augusta! He gave away very little compared with what he gained, or hoped to! Do not expect me to be grateful for a plan of which I knew nothing and hardly accepted! You, on the other hand, all of you, were part of it!”

“How dare you?” Lady Barrington cried again. “You have no right.”

“I have every right, madam! If the trustees and solicitors are certain of their conclusion, we must search for everything that rightfully belongs to me and take it now! I have no intention of ever returning to this nightmare house!”

“We are certain, Lady Barrington,” Mr. Reeves declared. “Every arrangement was made in three papers—one for each party involved. The only document we do not possess is the settlement offered to you by Lord Barrington, as that was not our concern.”

“I have that one,” Mr. Gardiner said.

“Very well, then,” Elizabeth added, her strength and her spirit rising with every moment. “In the presence of these gentlemen, I wish to take back all the jewels given to me by Lady Sedgewick.”

“Indeed, this must be done now. They were offered under strict requirements that have not yet been fulfilled,” Mr. Thorn approved.

“You may also take the jewels offered to you by Lord Barrington,” Mr. Gardiner added. “Those are mentioned in your settlement.”

“No, uncle! From the settlement, I only wish to be certain that the part involving my family will be rightfully executed. Including my pin money, which might be put to good use. Lady Augusta may keep the jewels that belonged to her family, even if they were offered to me. I shall take no object that Lord Barrington gave me—most unwillingly, I am sure. But I must find the ring that Lady Sedgewick gave me on the day she passed away. That ring is more valuable than anything.”

As Elizabeth spoke, her family and friends stared at her in disbelief. To Jane and Mr. Gardiner, this young lady, whose power and determination had overcome the most dreadful suffering, was completely different from the witty and lively Lizzy they had known and adored. Bingley only kept hold of his wife’s hand, in an attempt to comfort her.

“That is very reasonable of you, Lady Barrington,” Mr. Finch, the executor, said.

“No, it is not! She cannot take anything from here!” Lady Augusta cried.

“In fact, she can take anything she pleases, madam,” Mr. Reeves countered. “According to the papers signed by your son, aside from inheriting everything that was passed down from Lady Sedgewick, Lady Barrington also inherits the Barrington private fortune and properties and has jurisdiction over this estate, the London townhouse and any other assets attached to the earldom until it is clear whether a child has resulted from this marriage. She cannot sell any of the properties without our consent but she may decide upon the use of all of them.”

“So what are you saying? I have nothing left? She is the mistress of all?” Lady Augusta whined.

“Indeed she is, madam,” Mr. Thorn confirmed.

The lady stared at them, dumbfounded, her face completely white. Mr. Lambert and Mr. St. Claire helped her sit on a chair.

“Are you absolutely certain?” St. Claire enquired.

“There is no doubt left. Of course, you may seek advice from your own solicitors—Lady Augusta must have the same papers we possess. You may also take this matter to court, as I mentioned. It is understandable that you wish to take every precaution. At least with regard to Lady Sedgewick’s will, Mr. Reeves and I, as well as Mr. Finch and Mr. Hoskins have no doubts and are responsible for executing it properly.”

“We will seek legal advice, of course, Mr. Thorn,” St. Claire said. “But how will you proceed until then?”

“If Lady Barrington agrees, we will search for the objects belonging to Lady Sedgewick. We have a full list in our possession. These must be taken and placed in Lady Barrington’s care. She will be responsible for each of them.”

“Very well. I will join you, gentlemen,” Elizabeth said. “I will not touch anything without your presence, as I wish to avoid any further accusation of taking what is not mine.”

“Very well, your ladyship,” Mr. Thorn said.

Darcy stepped forward and addressed the trustees, the executor and the solicitor.

“I would suggest some of you gentlemen accompany Lady Barrington and the rest of us remain here. I believe that would be a fair approach.”

The others needed a few moments to understand his meaning.

“What are you implying? That we should be supervised? And how dare you give orders in this house?” St. Claire responded angrily.

“I am not giving orders. It was a mere suggestion, which Lady Barrington and the legal representatives may accept or reject. And, considering my past knowledge of you and recent events, forgive me for distrusting you, St. Claire,” Darcy said mockingly.

“You should step aside, Darcy! You have no business here and your suggestions are doing no good. I demand you remain silent!” St. Claire replied angrily.