Page 48 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Indeed. According to the gentlemen who manage both the Barrington and Sedgewick fortunes, all the responsibilities, all the expectations, all the duties that once belonged to Lady Sedgewick are now mine. That is why I mentioned that I would certainly need help.”

“But…Forgive my indiscretion, this is utterly unexpected! And Lady Augusta?”

“Aunt, please,” Darcy interjected. “Lady Barrington is certainly exhausted and since she is under my protection, I must beg you to end this conversation this moment. I am sure there will be time for other discussions in the future.”

Lady Matlock appeared disconcerted by being silenced.

“Of course. You are right, nephew—we should leave. I am sorry for keeping Lady Barrington so long.”

“Lady Matlock, it was a pleasure and an honour to make your acquaintance and to speak to you,” Elizabeth offered. “I hope to see you and Miss Darcy very soon, under happier circumstances and with a less disturbing appearance.”

Lady Matlock seemed content with Elizabeth’s statement. “It was a pleasure for me, too, Lady Barrington, and I look forward to our next encounter. I wish you all the best and hope you are able to regain your tranquillity soon.”

The farewell between Elizabeth and Georgiana was short, quiet, and filled with emotion. Miss Darcy’s tearful blue eyes and paleness spoke more of her compassion and sorrow than any long and solemn declaration and Elizabeth’s gratitude was conveyed with the same discretion and emotional gaze.

Chapter 16

In the drawing-room, in the company of only Jane, Bingley and Darcy, Elizabeth’s strength left her once again. Her hands began to tremble and, although she was sitting down, she almost lost her balance.

Jane moved to her side and Darcy hurried to pour her a glass of water.

“How is Sarah?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

“The doctor examined her earlier. He said she showed signs of improvement. A maid is always with her and the doctor’s orders are being strictly followed,” Darcy assured her.

“Thank you. I shall see her a little later.”

“Lady Barrington, your care of others is laudable, but I am most concerned about you. I am deeply sorry that my aunt exhausted you even further. You should retire to your chamber and rest. All that worried you this morning is settled. It is time to let us take care of you now!” Darcy said, with apparent emotion and warmth, taking her hands in his.

Neither he nor Elizabeth noticed the brief looks exchanged by Bingley and Jane. For the Bingleys, Darcy was an excellent, trustworthy friend on whom they all depended and to whom they owed more than they could ever repay. But such a display of affection—and the obvious acceptance of it on Elizabeth’s part—was unexpected.

“Sir, I cannot even think of resting. Not when I have discovered even more evidence of how Lord Barrington has destroyed lives! I cannot find peace when others still suffer.”

“But you cannot blame yourself for his actions! Or for the things you have failed to accomplish because of him!”

“I do not. But I feel compelled to remedy his malicious acts. You came to save me, although it was not your duty. I must do the same for others. I must beg you for another favour, Mr. Darcy. Please advise me how I could find someone who left a month ago to an unknown destination? I am willing to pay with my own money for this search!”

Darcy’s countenance turned even darker.

“The Countess of Sedgewick’s companion. A young woman, Miss Cecilia, of whom Lady Sedgewick was very fond. She was the countess’s loyal companion. There were specific requirements regarding her and possessions lawfully left to her.”

She paused to catch her breath. Darcy waited, quiet and frowning, until she continued.

“Lady Sedgewick asked me to take care of her and I promised to do so. But today I discovered that a month ago, Lord Barrington, together with Mr. St. Claire, threw her out of the house, with no luggage, no money and no belongings. I am certain he stole her possessions. She must have wandered around town for more than a month. I was unable to keep my word and protect her. Lord knows if she is already dead or lost in some horrible circumstances. I must find her. I must bring her home.”

Elizabeth’s voice became louder, more perturbed, more incomprehensible, and she was not capable of holding in her tears any longer. Warm drops fell onto her cheeks and she withdrew her hands from Darcy’s, removing her veil and hat and wiping her face.

“He hurt everyone he could! He left only pain and sorrow wherever he went. I hate him,” she whispered. “I hate him with all my being. I am glad he is dead! I prayed to the Lord to see him dead! And I have no remorse for that!”

The tears fell freely, but she did not sob. Her voice was now cold and steady and she stared at Darcy pleadingly.

“Can you help me with some advice, sir? A suggestion? I assume I must hire some men. Where can I find them?”

“Lady Barrington… Miss Bennet….” Please try to calm yourself. If there is money, we can easily find men to hire for such a task. But let us consider the matter carefully. Where would this young woman go, if she had no choice? Do you happen to know if she has any family or friends? You said she was asked to leave with no means to support herself. Would she look for employment? We must decide where to begin the search.”

“I do not know… She grew up in Lady Sedgewick’s house. Lord and Lady Sedgewick treated her like their daughter. She might easily support herself from employment as a governess, her education was excellent and her accomplishments remarkable. But if she was hurt or frightened by Lord Barrington she would certainly not expose herself and risk meeting him again.”

“So you assume she has left London?”