Page 44 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Lady Barrington, I would suggest we all return in one carriage and leave the other for the servants. If you agree, my coachman will take them to my house and my housekeeper will find a way to accommodate them until you decide how you wish to proceed.”

Elizabeth hesitated, overwhelmed by emotions.

“Mr. Darcy, how long will you allow us to abuse your kindness? This is too much…”

“Not at all, I assure you,” he replied. “Anyone would have done the same, and I am sure Bingley will offer to host them too. But I trust my staff implicitly and I dare not suggest troubling another household with this delicate matter.”

“Lizzy dear, it is your decision. But I can see the wisdom in Mr. Darcy’s proposal,” Mrs. Gardiner said. Elizabeth tried to gather her thoughts, her eyes locked with Darcy’s.

“We will invade your house entirely, Mr. Darcy. The discomfort you will suffer will be significant. We might have even more people to accommodate from the townhouse. I want to have everything settled today for those who need protection. Lady Augusta and those two men…I fear they are capable of anything…We could take them to Lady Sedgewick’s house, and I know there are several other houses where they could be employed over the coming days. But for now, I only wish them to be safe.”

“We will do as you wish. Please do not worry about my comfort, when you are carrying such difficult burdens and have shown so much bravery in confronting your enemies. Your character is extraordinary, Lady Barrington, and we can only support you the best we can,” Darcy said, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.

“Very well, sir. I am grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness,” she finally agreed. “But please do not call me Lady Barrington.”

He bowed his head, briefly. “Forgive me, Miss Bennet. I shall keep that in mind.”

A trace of a smile lit her tearful eyes, but the veil did not allow him to notice it.

Minutes later, at Darcy’s request, the first carriage departed with the young servants. The solicitors and trustees entered the second carriage, then finally the third one took Elizabeth and her party towards London. She looked back for a while, overwhelmed by her emotions, still incredulous that the last few hours had been real. The nightmare had ended. She was not trapped any longer, but she was not completely free either. She could not return to her old life, as she was now responsible for so many others. Miss Bennet was gone forever, despite Mr. Darcy addressing her as such.

Although late in the afternoon, it was still a bright day when the party arrived back in London. During the journey, the conversation was scarce and Elizabeth had time to regain her composure. She felt exhausted but anxious to accomplish the most urgent tasks.

“I would like to speak to Cece,” she said. “And then I will visit the townhouse.”

“Lizzy, if you do not need me, I will go home; the children must be waiting for me.”

“Of course, Aunt. Thank you for standing by my side. I shall be fine now.”

“I will remain with you, Lizzy. You may need my company for the rest of the day,” Mr. Gardiner declared.

“So will I,” Jane said.

“Should I come with you?” Bingley offered.

“I do not think it will be necessary,” Elizabeth answered. “Both houses are quite near, so we will walk. It should not take long.”

“Then Darcy and I will wait for you at home. At his home. Or ours?”

Elizabeth hesitated a moment, then met Darcy’s eyes briefly.

“If Mr. Darcy approves, I would remain where we are for another couple of days.”

“I would be honoured to host you until you move to your own house, Lady Barrington. Miss Bennet…”

“Thank you, sir.”

Elizabeth felt more gratitude than she could express, more than he was willing to accept. She felt safer and stronger knowing she could depend upon him. Darcy was genuinely concerned, although reserved. He was always near, without intruding. He paid attention to her signals and intervened only when it was needed. With him at her side, she knew she was not alone. Four months ago, she had rejected him and thrown him out of her life. He had returned when her life was in danger and his mere presence enhanced it. She could hardly call him family, or even a friend. And yet, he was more than both.

Chapter 15

When the carriage stopped in front of Lady Sedgewick’s house, Elizabeth stepped down hesitantly, as her knees felt rather weak. She had last been there at the countess’s death and suddenly she recalled all the lady’s fears and warnings. Lady Sedgewick had been aware of her nephew’s unworthiness, but Elizabeth now reflected on how well his aunt had known him, how much of his devious behaviour she had suspected.

“Shall we enter?” Mr. Gardiner asked. He was by her side, together with Jane, while the carriage carrying the two other gentlemen continued on.

Before they knocked, the butler opened the door. He stared at them, surprised and puzzled, trying to identify Elizabeth behind her veil.

In the hall, they were met by Mrs. Gilford, the housekeeper, who gasped, dumbfounded.