Page 47 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth did not doubt that rumours had already spread around London and the lady had come to satisfy her curiosity. The news of an earl dying in his own house, after abusing and imprisoning his wife, had probably become the talk of the ton already. And her presence in the house of a man who was unrelated to her, surely added more flavour to the gossip.

She chose her words carefully before replying.

“Surely you may visit your brother and nephew whenever you please. It is we who have intruded and abused Mr. Darcy’s kindness.”

“Hardly,” Darcy intervened. “I am honoured to host you, Lady Barrington, just as I am happy to see my aunt and my sister.”

More tea was served and, while she sipped from her cup, Elizabeth felt the others staring at her. Only then did she realise her face was exposed and she quickly pulled her veil down, ashamed and tormented. Georgiana looked pale and distraught while Lady Matlock whispered with much sorrow.

“Oh, poor, dear girl…” Then immediately, the lady adjusted her voice.

“Please forgive me, Lady Barrington, I should not have expressed myself with such familiarity. I believe we had better leave now.”

“Lady Matlock! I despise being called Lady Barrington, so ‘poor, dear girl’ is quite a welcome substitute,” Elizabeth answered with a painful smile.

Lady Matlock stared at Elizabeth, amazed that she could jest under such circumstances. Next to her, Miss Darcy looked at them, teary and silent.

“I know we have not met before but both my nephew and son—the colonel—have spoken so highly of you,” Lady Matlock continued. “I confess we were all surprised and worried when we heard of your marriage...if we had known before, I assure you that you would have been warned. We all suspected Lord Barrington's character was less than honourable. And since he lacked a father’s guidance, his mother’s tolerance encouraged his reprobate actions.”

“I can hardly find any excuse for his behaviour,” Elizabeth whispered.

“No indeed, there is no excuse! I knew your sister and brother were worried when he did not allow them to see you, but we assumed he was just a pompous, arrogant fool who tried to separate you from your family, out of social considerations. Until this moment, I had never imagined that he was capable of harming his wife…”

“Lady Matlock, I shall not conceal my husband’s evil character and his despicable actions. But let us not speak on this subject any longer. I see no point in distressing you, Miss Darcy and my sister more than is necessary.”

“You are right, of course, Lady Barrington. Please know that you may count on me for anything you might need.”

“Your ladyship is very kind,” Elizabeth said with genuine gratefulness. “I expect I will need help, as I intend to begin work on all of the Countess of Sedgewick’s charities that have been neglected in the last weeks.”

“The Countess of Sedgewick was a remarkable lady, very dedicated to charity. She had no close family, except for the Barringtons, I remember. My husband said something about a trust fund.”

“Yes. This was the course that brought us to the present tragedy. Her ladyship’s connection with the most horrid of men.”

“How very sad… and dreadful. It is commendable of you to continue her work,” Lady Matlock answered. “But I would suggest you rest and recover first, if I may be so bold as to advise you.”

“Your care is much appreciated, but I am well enough, I assure you. Mr. Darcy generously offered us shelter and support when we needed it. I admit I accepted his invitation to stay in his house, with my sister, my brother, my uncle and aunt, because I was equally frightened and ashamed to allow people to see me. I feared not only for my own safety but also for my maid’s, who is so badly hurt that her life is in danger.”

Despite her exhaustion, a terrible headache and the claw that still gripped her chest, Elizabeth’s mind was sharp and alert, as it had been for all those months when she had lived in fear and peril.

She purposely offered additional details, realising that it may help to quell further gossip and speculation that could harm the Darcys, as well as her own family. For herself, she cared little. Nothing could be worse than the nightmare she had already lived through.

“Dear Lord,” Miss Darcy murmured.

“I believe it was a wise decision. If he was in town, I assure you my son would have invited you to stay with us, too! There is nobody amongst us who does not condemn Lord Barrington’s behaviour!”

”I am thankful to your ladyship for the warm support. Fortunately, I shall have my own home soon. I will move to Lady Sedgewick’s house in a few days.”

“Really? Not the Barringtons’ house?” Lady Matlock’s astonishment was apparent. Georgiana kept staring at Elizabeth, oblivious to anything else around her, while the others witnessed the conversation quietly.

Elizabeth grew more impatient to end the encounter. Her main preoccupation was to find Cece without further delay, so she answered Lady Matlock in some haste.

“No, not Barrington House. Lady Sedgewick expressed her wish that I would live in her home someday and I want to honour her desire. I am afraid I…”

“My sister is now the mistress of all! Everything is under her supervision!” Bingley suddenly interjected enthusiastically.

“What could you possibly mean?” Lady Matlock asked in a loud and perturbed voice.

Elizabeth tried to calm herself.