Page 46 of The Mistress of All & Torn

The housekeeper's fear and reluctance increased Elizabeth's distress and impatience. She raised her voice more than was necessary, unable to control her temper.

“Mrs. Gilford! Please inform Mrs. Nott that I am too upset by all the horrors that have happened in that house to discuss with her. Tell her that she most certainly does not want to argue with me at this moment. I have allowed Lady Augusta to live in that house for now, but I could easily throw her out anytime I wish to. And Mrs. Nott too.”

The statement left Mrs. Gilford dumbfounded. She had never witnessed Elizabeth behaving in such a cold way. With her eyes widened in disbelief, the woman nodded, looking at Mr. Gardiner while Elizabeth continued.

“My temper and my civility are not to be tested at the moment. The scheme is simple: those who are comfortable remaining there and continuing to serve Lady Augusta, are more than welcome to do so. Those who wish to leave will be offered this choice no later than today. I hope my uncle’s presence will be enough support in this task. Lady Augusta may apply to a judge at any time if she considers it proper. Am I being clear enough?”

“Indeed you are, Lady Barrington.”

“Yes,” Mr. Gardiner repeated. “Mrs. Gilford, you should know that my niece offered the same option to the servants at the Barrington country estate, in the presence of all the gentlemen of the law involved in this inheritance, and they approved her actions.”

“Oh, good…I mean, I did not doubt Lady Barrington...I was only wondering if Mrs. Nott would listen to me and allow me to take the servants. I suspect some of them will be happy to leave...that is what I meant.”

“If you face the smallest opposition, I shall go and complete the task myself,” Elizabeth said with a sharpness that astonished even Mr. Gardiner.

“I am sure we will settle everything to your liking,” the gentleman replied.

“I am sure you will. Mrs. Gilford, I thank you for your assistance. I know Lady Sedgewick was fond of you and valued your loyalty. I trust we will continue her excellent work together.”

“Thank you, ma’am. You are very kind. We will do everything to please your ladyship. Everything will be arranged as you require,” the woman repeated with solemnity, obviously intimidated.

“Mrs. Gilford, I do not have many demands. I simply want everyone to be comfortable and safe, as I know many have suffered from Lord Barrington’s behaviour. I shall not conceal his cruel actions. And I wish to be sure we comply with Lady Sedgewick’s requests. I have not been able to keep my word since I married, but all will change now. Now please excuse me, my sister and I must leave. I am confident you will manage this situation properly. Uncle, we will wait for you at home.”

She then turned and left, followed by Jane. She noticed some of the servants lurking around the corner on her way out.

In the street, she stopped and Jane quickly took her arm. It was not a surprise to see Bingley waiting in front of the house. Although Darcy’s house was only a short distance away, he had come to support and to accompany them home.

She smiled at him, while a pain clawed at her chest. She would never experience such a tender relationship. She did not expect it even when she accepted Lord Barrington’s marriage proposal. Witnessing Bingley’s love for her sister soothed her turmoil and gave her the strength to step forward. She did not even realise Jane was holding her one arm and Bingley the other, just as she was oblivious to everyone and everything around her. She walked lost in her thoughts, completely covered in black, the veil over her face, like a shadow.

She felt dizzier as she thought of Cece. The young woman had been thrown out of the house, with no means, no protection. Just as Lady Sedgewick had feared. And she, Elizabeth, like an arrogant fool, had believed she could keep her promises. She had been so naive, so silly, so unwise. And she had failed in everything.

The notion that Cece could have been hurt, made her nauseous. Only God knew what had happened during that private encounter. From her late husband, she expected the worst. And that horrible St. Claire was no better. He even had the audacity to feign an appearance of honour! If she had been a man, she would have called him out! But she was only a woman, who could do very little.

It was late in the afternoon when the three of them entered Darcy’s house. They had been gone for less than six hours, but it seemed like days to Elizabeth. So much had changed since that morning, when she waited for the funeral and for the clarification of her situation. Now, everything was clear and out in the open.

When the large, heavy door of Darcy's house opened, a revelation struck her: she was not ‘only’ a woman, she was a titled lady with enormous means and power. She could do more than call St. Claire out. Much more. She could do almost anything she wanted.

In the hall, while Bingley chatted with his wife about dinner, Elizabeth remained lost in her thoughts. She lifted her veil—finally—and walked down the long hall, feeling Jane’s gentle hold on her arm.

“Lizzy, would you like to go to your room? We should change for dinner. I will call for some tea and…”

“No. I wish to speak to Mr. Darcy first and ask his opinion. I must find Cece. I cannot eat or drink when Cece is somewhere, alone, exposed to God knows what ordeals.”

“Yes, of course...I am sorry…I know I have been selfish,” Jane whispered.

Elizabeth quickly embraced her sister. “Forgive me, dearest. It is not your fault—your care is much appreciated. But I have so much on my mind…I must speak to Mr. Darcy, but a cup of tea would be perfect.”

“I will inform him that we have arrived,” Bingley said, showing the ladies into the drawing-room. They stopped in the doorway, stunned in surprise, met by the curious gazes of two ladies, with whom Darcy was talking. Elizabeth immediately recognised the younger lady and the eldest had all the appearance of a lady of consequence, with wealth, connections and self-confidence.

For a moment, Elizabeth was tempted to turn and leave. She was too pained, too troubled, and her mind was too desolate for entertaining.

Jane and Bingley greeted the guests with familiarity while Darcy hurried to Elizabeth.

“Lady Barrington, allow me to introduce my aunt, Lady Matlock. I believe you have met my sister Georgiana before?”

“Yes, I have and I am very pleased to meet her again. Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Matlock.” Elizabeth heard her voice sounding more composed than she expected, and she even forced a polite smile.

“We apologise for intruding,” Lady Matlock said. “We were on our way home from shopping and we stopped here only briefly.”