Page 54 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I imagine they were tempted to, but they wisely decided against it. Barrington could have easily claimed he was being attacked and shot them in retaliation. No court would condemn an earl for protecting himself in his own house.”

“True...”

“This is why, when they asked for my advice, I applied to the solicitors and trustees to accompany us. We needed reliable witnesses. Just imagine—if that accident had occurred and the trustees were not there, Lady Augusta could have accused us—or Lady Barrington—of planning to murder her son and steal his fortune!”

“Yes, yes, very likely...Darcy, I have always admired your self-control in such a distressing situation. Your reason always keeps your temper under good regulation. If I were in your place, I would have strangled Wickham and now Barrington long ago.”

“Believe me, I would have done it if necessary...Beside Lady Barrington’s situation, there was a young maid...she is probably Georgiana’s age. She was so badly injured...I would have killed Barrington for that girl alone.”

“He harmed her? You mean...?”

“He abused her. But she was also beaten. Hurt. Lady Barrington said the girl had taken her side, trying to protect her. I imagine they tried to protect each other.”

“Dear Lord! I am utterly dismayed!”

“So was I, Robert. When we arrived in town, both Lady Barrington and the maid were wounded, their appearance was frightening, they needed a doctor’s assistance. We were all together—Bingley, his wife, and the Gardiners—so we had to decide where they could go, all together. At Bingley’s there were his sisters, Gardiner’s house is rather small and they have young children...So I had to convince them to remain here for the time being.”

“Yes, yes, it was a good choice. But Darcy, I am sure there were many others hurt by Barrington.”

“Most likely. Apparently, he used young servants who were forced to support their families, paid them well, but kept them somehow imprisoned. St. Claire and Lambert—and likely many others—were no strangers to his habits. Nor was Lady Augusta, since that habit persisted both at their country estate and at the townhouse.”

“This is madness,” the colonel said, dumbfounded, pacing the room. “And what happened to the girl? Where is she?”

“Here, in the house, of course. She has been taken care of since then. Lady Barrington is very fond of her. She also offered all the servants in both houses the chance to move to other properties, and take similar positions. More than ten accepted, four others returned to their families. It is hard to conceive the sort of abuse that happened there.”

“Dear Lord...”

“You know Robert, Lady Barrington’s marriage was a painful nightmare for her, but it actually saved many others. She could have lived quite comfortably if she accepted her husband's depraved, vicious behaviour. If she allowed him to hurt others and to defraud the terms of the fortune that he unjustly acquired. Lady Augusta reproached her as much. She said it was her fault for being hurt since she confronted her husband...”

“That is true. It is fortunate for many that Barrington married her...Though I wonder how he was so stupid as to not realise Miss Bennet was not the sort of woman to accept his miserable character.”

“He was in a hurry. He needed to marry someone that the Countess of Sedgewick approved before the lady passed away.”

“Yes, I know. My mother told me something of it...And I remember the rumours from a few months ago. I know Barrington was suddenly eager to marry. But surely no one aware of his vices and debauchery would agree to bind themselves to him, despite the prospect of his enormous wealth. I cannot believe that Miss Bennet agreed to marry him after such a brief acquaintance.”

“We should not blame her, Robert. She found herself in dreadful circumstances, with her family’s future ruined, with the fear of losing their home, and no means to support themselves.”

“I do not blame her, I was just stunned. I did not expect the Miss Bennet I knew would accept such a proposal. I am also surprised that Lady Sedgewick accepted her so readily.”

“I understand her ladyship had become quite fond of Miss Bennet, so there was nothing standing in the way of the union.”

“There was likely a bit of selfishness on Lady Sedgewick’s part too. She needed a worthy woman, capable of continuing her charities, and was happy to find Miss Bennet. Therefore, she neglected to provide her with a proper warning about the real circumstances.”

“Robert, we should not blame her ladyship either. I doubt she suspected the extent of Barrington's real character and infamous behaviour. If she had, she would have disinherited him entirely, I am sure.”

“You are probably correct and I am judging her too harshly. I feel Miss Bennet has been deceived and I cannot but sympathise with her. So what is to be done now?”

“We hope Bingley and Mr. Gardiner will find Miss Cecilia, then I expect things will be settled step by step. Lady Barrington will move into Lady Sedgewick’s house, she said. She has significant responsibilities on her shoulders, but I am sure she will quickly learn to manage them. She is determined and eager to begin her duties. Hopefully, she will allow herself time to improve her health first.”

“And you? How will this alter your schedule for this summer? Will you return to Pemberley?”

Darcy hesitated for a moment. “I am not certain, but I doubt it. The entire Bennet family—including Bingley, the Gardiners as well as Lady Barrington—are still in a difficult situation. Lady Barrington has asked for my support with the legal matters. I would not feel comfortable leaving them. I hope Georgiana will not mind—I still have to speak to her.”

“And I agree—the circumstances are overwhelming. I would be anxious if I found myself in Lady Barrington’s position. And I would ask for your help too.”

“I appreciate your trust, cousin,” Darcy said in jest.

“You should be frightened—we have all become accustomed to asking for your help,” the colonel replied in the same tone. “I am glad that you and Lady Barrington have improved your acquaintance. You were on rather harsh terms in Kent.”