Page 41 of The Mistress of All & Torn

‘Yes,” Elizabeth admitted.

“Jane is waiting for you,” Mr. Bingley added. “She is so worried that she has cried all the time since we received and understood your letter. Actually we did not understand much when we read it, though we knew something was very wrong, and tried to decide what to do. We spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner too and we planned to confront Barrington immediately. And then Darcy called and I showed him the letter. And he said Barrington was the worst sort of man and that we should have witnesses if we wanted to deal with him. And he suggested bringing the trustees. And Mr. Gardiner brought his solicitor.”

“I am glad you did so. I was terrified that you might come by yourself...Lord....he would have hurt you...Mr. Darcy’s advice was the answer to my prayers. Thank you, sir. I am so grateful...”

“Miss Bennet...pardon me, Lady Barrington, let us not speak of gratitude. We must decide what to do now. You are both injured.”

“We will go to my house,” Bingley said.

“Or mine,” Mr. Gardiner suggested.

Darcy hesitated a moment.

“Forgive me for being presumptuous, but...Bingley, at your house there is Caroline and Louisa. And Mr. Gardiner, you have the children. Miss Bennet...Lady Barrington's state is such that she should not be seen, nor exposed to more distress, questions and rumours. I would suggest staying at my house for a few days, until you can sort things out and then Lady Barrington can decide how she wishes to proceed. Georgiana is at her own home. Half of the house is completely empty. Bingley, you may come with your wife and remain overnight. And Mr. Gardiner, you and Mrs. Gardiner are more than welcome too. I shall call for our family doctor.”

Elizabeth could not believe his offer. Despite their brief yet civil encounter in London, which had taken place most unexpectedly, she was certain he would forever avoid her as his worst enemy. No man’s pride and vanity would forgive or forget being rejected, nor would he ever excuse her unfair accusations.

And yet, he had hurried to her rescue, he had put himself in danger, confronting a mad, armed man for her, and now he was offering her his home. After she had rejected his marriage proposal.

When she saw him carrying the wounded maid, her heart had melted more than at his other brave gestures, for which she felt appreciation and respect. His care for Sarah proved the goodness of his heart. Pure and simple.

Throughout the journey to London, she saw his familiarity with Mr. Gardiner, which showed that they had met before. When she recollected their last meeting at the Hunsford parsonage—the difference, the change, was so great, and struck her mind so forcibly, that she could hardly prevent her astonishment and her guilt from being visible.

Pained, fearful and distrustful, her heart slowly filled with gratitude. Not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive the acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection.

She looked at him and his warm, friendly expression impressed her even more.

“But sir...we could not possibly intrude...That is more than generous and I am so thankful...”

“Lady Barrington, I am begging you not to waste time with such considerations. If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I will gladly move to Gerogiana’s house. My only goal is to know you are safe and healthy.”

“Mr. Darcy, your presence brings me comfort and peace. I gratefully accept your offer—I believe it is best for all of us.”

Chapter 14

Barrington Estate, present (August 1812)

“Lady Barrington?”

A voice and a brief touch on her arm startled Elizabeth so much that she let out a cry.

She noticed Darcy’s worried stare and the other men’s puzzled looks. She suddenly recollected that she was back at the dreadful house. And that this time she was the mistress of it.

“Lady Barrington, are you unwell? You look truly ill,” Darcy insisted.

“No...I was lost in my thoughts. Forgive me...From Lord Barrington’s apartment I want nothing but to look for the ring given to me by Lady Sedgewick.”

“In truth, I doubt we will find anything,” Mr. Gardiner said. “If there was anything of value, his friends and his mother will have taken it away.”

“Still, we must retrieve the jewels given to Lady Barrington by Lady Sedgewick, since all of them were detailed in her will. If they have disappeared without our consent, that might class as a robbery,” Mr. Reeves declared.

Much to everyone's surprise, and as a sign that Lady Augusta had not anticipated such an outcome, their search met with success. Most of the jewels and papers were found, either in Lord Barrington’s apartment, or in his library.

But Lady Sedgewick’s ring was still unaccounted for. As it had been offered to Elizabeth as a gift of love, it was not part of any legal arrangements. Very likely the earl had shamelessly stolen it and used it to fund his greedy and deceptive habits. The ring was gone and its loss broke Elizabeth’s heart one more time.

∞∞∞

When Elizabeth returned downstairs, the staff was gathered in the hall. From the drawing-room, Lady Augusta’s voice sounded angry and accusatory, but she ignored it. Instead, she addressed the servants, who watched her with fear and distress.