Page 49 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Probably. But where would she go? And how could she have done that with no means? Finding an honourable job outside London could be even more difficult. You see, Cece is black…”

“Regardless of the colour of her skin, it would be difficult for a young lady with no protection and no means to find a job in an honourable family. Unfortunately, there are more men than gentlemen out there, ready to take advantage of someone in need. But we will find her,” Darcy said. “Would it be useful to look through Lady Sedgewick’s papers? Could we find some clue regarding her whereabouts?”

Elizabeth looked at him intently. She had addressed Darcy only, almost ignoring her sister and brother-in-law. All her hopes were on him.

His words calmed the torment in her mind and she let out a small cry of relief.

“Dear Lord, I am such a simpleton! I know where she could be! Lady Sedgewick purchased a small property for Cece, in Surrey. A cottage with a piece of land, she said. Somewhere near the village of Ripley, two hours from London. She mentioned that neither Lord Barrington nor Lady Augusta was aware of this property. The purchase was made in Cece’s name, so it belonged to her. I only wonder if she had enough money to travel there after she was thrown out.”

She began pacing the room, her spirits higher and her heart lighter.

“I need to go there tomorrow morning! First thing! Yes, she must be there! Thank you, Lord! And thank you, sir, for helping me remember. I will go tomorrow morning.”

“Miss Bennet!” Darcy called her but she did not respond. “Miss Bennet!” he repeated louder and she finally turned to him, waiting.

“Miss Bennet, it is an excellent piece of information, but we cannot be certain she is truly there. You cannot possibly travel tomorrow morning again. I will fight you if necessary, and I will ask your sister and your uncle to take my side!”

“But…”

“Please sit down, Miss Bennet, and let us talk.”

She obeyed reluctantly, ready to argue with him. Her decision had been made and she was determined not to even consider changing it.

“Miss Bennet, since you are responsible for an impressive fortune and have a great number of people in your care, you will have many problems to solve and many issues to remedy. Your generous heart will likely induce you to attempt everything by yourself. Allow me to tell you that it will be impossible to do so. Nobody would be capable of it. You must learn to allow others to help you. You must ask for support and preserve your strength and health. If you are unwell, you will not be able to help anyone. If—God forbid—something happened to you, everybody would suffer. Do you not agree?”

She listened and gazed at him, still ready to argue. But his closeness soothed her impulsiveness.

He was calm, his countenance earnest but not severe. His voice was decided but not arrogant. He insisted on making her see reason, but did not impose his opinion.

“So what would you suggest?” she eventually enquired.

“Allow me to go and find the young lady. Write her a note so she will know you have sent me. She probably has not heard the news of Lord Barrington’s death.”

The conversation was interrupted by Mr. Gardiner’s entrance. He was invited in and Bingley immediately offered him a glass of brandy.

“Dear Uncle, I hope you have good news.”

“I do, Lizzy. Everything has been settled as you requested. Six maids left Barrington House and were hosted by Mrs. Gilford. Eleven others chose to remain. Mrs. Nott was stunned and very displeased. Your actions are rather unique amongst the ton, and you should expect criticism, I dare say.”

“Thank you for your help, Uncle. Mrs. Nott’s displeasure is not my concern, nor is the ton’s disapproval.”

“I imagined as much. What did you decide about Miss Cecilia?” Mr. Gardiner asked, sitting next to Bingley and sipping his brandy.

“We were just discussing the matter,” Elizabeth replied. “I have reason to hope she is in Surrey, at a small property there. I intended to go there tomorrow morning, but Mr. Darcy offered to go on my behalf.”

“I did not offer, I insisted. The doctor recommended that Lady Barrington… Miss Bennet should rest and not leave her bed unless it is necessary. She has done nothing of the kind and has barely rested for a few minutes today. She was on the road this morning, then she had to face the most dreadful confrontation with Barrington’s mother and friends, then she went to Lady Sedgewick’s house and now she intends to travel again tomorrow. I have no authority to impose my opinion, but if she was my family, I would by no means allow her to engage in such an endeavour.”

“Your opinion is much valued, Mr. Darcy, but my decision is not simply caprice,” Elizabeth replied.

“I am aware of that. But it is simply too much. I may easily search for the young lady myself. I will leave early in the morning and return by dinner time. If she is not there, we can organise a search party to comb the entirety of London in a few days.”

“If you don't mind, I have a better option,” Bingley suddenly interjected. “I am part of the family now and, while I am grateful to Darcy for his involvement, it is my duty and my desire to take on more responsibility. If you agree, I would like to search for Miss Cecilia myself. We are not acquainted, but a note from Elizabeth would suffice.”

“I support Bingley’s suggestion,” Mr. Gardiner said. “As your uncle, I will take the liberty of joining him. Miss Cecilia and I are acquainted and I foresee a successful journey.”

Elizabeth was taken aback. The men looked at her, waiting, and she had no reason to reject their sensible proposal.

“Thank you all,” she whispered, tearful.