Page 57 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth smiled nervously. “The best of men, my dear. Just like my brother. There is nothing you need to worry about.”

“Your ladyship should eat and rest too,” Sarah whispered.

“I will,” Elizabeth replied, leaving the room together with Jane.

In the hall, she leaned against the wall and Jane held her arm to support her.

“Dearest Lizzy, I fear to imagine what you and Sarah had to go through. Will you ever tell me what happened in that house?”

“Sarah, me and many others...No, dearest, I will never speak of that again. Come, let us have some tea and pray that Charles and Uncle will return safely.”

∞∞∞

Breakfast was a small affair, with only Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy attending. After the time they had shared in the middle of the night, the reunion was slightly awkward and both avoided locking gazes. They had easily opened their hearts and shared their deepest secrets and fears in the intimacy and darkness of the bed-chamber. In the daylight and Jane’s company, they became reluctant and cautious with their words.

Darcy informed them about the colonel’s visit and the subject eased the conversation.

“I would be delighted to see the colonel again. As soon as we move into Lady Sedgewick’s house, it will be my pleasure to invite you all to dinner,” Elizabeth said.

“There is no hurry, Lady Barrington.”

“There is, sir; we have already bothered you exceedingly. And, as comfortable and welcome as I feel here, it is time to find a home of my own.”

“I understand. As fond as I am of your company, I hope you know you have my support whenever you need it.”

“And I hope you know that you have my endless gratitude, Mr. Darcy.”

They were again addressing each other, gazes finally locked, oblivious to Jane’s curious countenance and her attempts to join the discussion.

“Lizzy, if Charles and Uncle Gardiner return with Miss Cecilia, will you move to Lady Sedgewick’s house today?”

Elizabeth looked at her sister, surprised by the question and distracted by the small exchange with Darcy.

“I have not considered that. My only concern was for Cece to be found. I suppose we could move, but it might be late by the time they return and they will surely be very tired.”

“It is entirely your decision, but if I dare be so bold as to interject, moving in the evening might cause some disturbance. You may send a note to the housekeeper, with all your requirements, and move when everything is settled.”

“I believe that would be wiser,” Jane said.

“Very well,” Elizabeth agreed. “The servants from the Barrington estate might move today. There are enough rooms to accommodate everyone.”

“Forgive me for asking—do you trust the housekeeper?”

“I do. I will have to discuss this matter with Cece, but I know Lady Sedgewick was pleased with Mrs. Gilford.”

“Do you have a dependable butler? Any large household needs an efficient and responsible housekeeper and butler to run it properly.”

“I do not know that either. I must speak to Cece about all this. Lady Sedgewick kept no secrets from her; Cece was involved in all the family’s business for years. From the little time I spent with her, I was impressed by her extensive knowledge.”

“How remarkable. And very helpful for you to have someone trustworthy, loyal and familiar with the affairs you have to manage,” Darcy said.

“She is remarkable indeed. But she is alone, in a world unkind and unfair to a young woman with no name and no connections.”

“From your description, I am sure she found the means to protect herself, even under the unpleasant circumstances,” Darcy continued.

“I hope as much. What pains me the most is that she might have imagined I knew of Lord Barrington’s actions and approved them. I gave Lady Sedgewick my word that Cece would be part of the family and I would always protect her. Then I suddenly disappeared and she knew nothing of me; she had every reason to believe I had abandoned her.”

“You must cease tormenting yourself for what was not your fault,” Darcy said, with warmth and compassion. “Bingley and Mr. Gardiner must have almost reached their destination by now. They will soon meet Miss Cecilia and explain everything. She will read your note and understand that your ordeal has been even worse than hers.”