Page 38 of The Mistress of All & Torn

She had to do something—or else she might not have another chance. So preoccupied was Elizabeth at taking this unexpected path towards freedom, that she did not even have time to be happy on her sister’s behalf.

With great attention, she took a piece of paper and wrote carefully.

‘My dearest Jane,

I am beyond joyful with all the happy news you shared. I knew you and Mr. Bingley were meant for each other since the very day when we met him, when you danced with him and I danced with his kind, amiable friend. And then, after the Netherfield Ball, when he came with all his family and friends to dine at Longbourn, things were even clearer. Not to mention that his sisters were always good friends with you and they visited you so often while you stayed in London with Aunt Gardiner.

I am so glad Papa is improving! I pray to the Lord each day for his recovery. I look forward to seeing him spending time outside and riding everyday, as he used too.

As for me, please rest assured that I am as well as possible. I am very busy adjusting to my new life, tending to my duties and learning new things. I have not even had time to enjoy my own gardens, but you know that I have always liked to spend as much time indoors as possible. When the time allows me, I shall take some long rides around the estate, just as I used to do back in Hertfordshire.

Please share this letter with aunt and uncle Gardiner, so they will cease worrying for me too.

I am not certain when and if we can meet. I will let you know if any opportunities arise. Until then, I am sending you all my love and I wish you all the happiness in the world.’

She read the letter again and again. There was nothing in it that might displease Lord Barrington, but surely Jane and her uncle and aunt would be alerted by its content, so full of untruths and mistaken facts. They would surely understand that something was terribly wrong and that she needed help. Elizabeth only prayed that they would not make any imprudent moves once they understood her cry for help. She hoped they would be wise enough to not confront Lord Barrington directly, as he would surely have no restraint in harming anyone who would trespass on his property.

The earl returned and Elizabeth had no time for more reflections or hesitation. She handed him the letter, he read it and was pleased.

“I have always liked an obedient woman. I am glad to see you have come to your senses, madam and perhaps we may reach some common ground, after all. As I said, do something with your appearance, you look truly awful!”

He left, locking the door behind him. She lay down on the floor, and sobbed again, now fearful for her sister and relatives’ safety.

∞∞∞

Elizabeth waited for three days and three nights. On the fourth day at noon, she heard more noise than usual. She could not distinguish the voices, so she rang for a maid. It took a while until, as usual, a manservant opened the door and Sarah entered.

“I need to change my dress,” she said, so the servant closed the door.

“Sarah, I was hoping you would come. What is happening?”

“I do not know, ma’am. Everyone is angry, and shouting. Apparently, a large party of men have arrived and Lord Barrington is mad with fury!”

Elizabeth’s heart raced with a joy she had not felt in months. Firstly, because she hoped her message had been properly received. And secondly, a large party meant that nobody had come to confront the earl alone, risking his life.

Before she had time to ask more, the earl entered, his face dark with anger.

“You! Out!” he shouted at Sarah, then turned to Elizabeth. “What have you done?”

“Me? What do you mean, sir? I have not left this chamber in weeks!”

“Then why are all those people here, asking for you? I have men stationed all over this property and they inform me of any strange intrusion! You thought you could trick me? You hoped you could deceive me?”

“I have done nothing! How could I? If someone is asking about me, it is because I have been kept prisoner and nobody has seen me. Did you not expect that someone would ask questions? We have not fulfilled any of Lady Sedgewick’s requirements! How did you believe you could explain such a shameless attempt at robbery?”

He hit her again. She heard and saw nothing, only fell down, in a dark hole she could not escape from. Then she felt him upon her, and his hands around her neck. She could not breathe, nor scream, nor push away the burden that overwhelmed her.

“Stop! You will kill her!” she heard Sarah screaming, then some movement, more screaming, then she suddenly felt free.

Elizabeth could barely open her eyes, as she heard her husband shouting, “We will finish this later! I will take care of the visitors first and be done with you afterwards!”

Then he left and locked the door.

Elizabeth struggled to catch her breath and to move. When she managed to stand up, she noticed Sarah had fallen to the floor, a small table of wood and glass broken around her.

Elizabeth cried her name and the girl gasped in pain.

“Come, my dear, you must lie down,” Elizabeth whispered, trying to help her to the bed, but the girl could not move. So Elizabeth took a pillow and put it under her head, while caressing her hair.