Page 58 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Yes, Lizzy. Let us have faith and pray for them to return safely. All will be well by tonight,” Jane added.

Elizabeth rewarded their sympathy with a sad smile. “I will try to keep my faith. And, as Mr. Darcy said, I trust Cece has kept herself safe. But I wonder how much more suffering Lord Barrington left behind. I wonder how many other lives he has ruined that I do not know of yet. I must speak to every servant that chose to follow me. I fear the worst.”

Her two companions exchanged a brief look. Neither of them could find the proper words to dissipate her fears.

The rest of the day passed painfully slowly. Each tried to employ their time usefully. Elizabeth sent a note to Mrs. Gilford, making the necessary arrangements to move the servants and to prepare the house for her and Cece, then she wrote to her aunt Gardiner, and to her father. Jane stood by her side, with little to do except offer her support.

Darcy read through Elizabeth’s legal papers, then he paid short visits to his sister and the Matlocks.

At noon, they reunited, silently sharing concern and often checking the time. It was a pleasant day, perfect for a walk in the park, but Elizabeth did not dare expose herself in public. She had not been allowed to walk since they had left London, more than a month ago. Her late husband had taken even that small piece of joy away from her.

Around five o’clock, a summer rain began that quickly turned into a storm, and the waiting became even more wearisome. Dinner time was close, but Elizabeth had no appetite, nor patience to even think of eating. The more time passed, the more her worry increased.

Eventually, a carriage stopped in front of the house and Elizabeth ran outside, followed by Jane and Darcy. It was still pouring, and the doorway barely protected them from the rain or the wind. Breathless, Elizabeth waited. The first one to exit the carriage was Bingley. Then Mr. Gardiner and finally the young lady, who stopped and looked around with apparent reluctance.

“Cece!” Elizabeth called with unrestrained joy.

“Lady Barrington!”

Bingley and Mr. Gardiner hurried inside, each holding the young woman’s arms. They entered, already soaking wet, and were met with the warmest welcome.

Then Cece’s gaze froze on Elizabeth's face.

“Dear Lord!” she exclaimed, her eyes glistening with tears. “Lady Barrington...”

“Come, let us enter! All is well now,” Elizabeth struggled to smile. “I cannot believe you are here! I feared we would not find you...When I heard you were thrown out of the house, I feared the worst.”

“How could your ladyship worry for me, when...” Cece tried to speak, her words barely audible through her obvious emotions. “I never imagined...”

“Forgive me for interrupting you, but we should go and change before we catch a cold. Mr. Darcy, would you be so kind as to send a servant with a note for my wife, to inform her that we are safe and I will be home tomorrow? And, if I may be so bold, I would be grateful for a rich dinner. We are also starved,” Mr. Gardiner said.

“Of course, you are right, Uncle. Come, Cece, I have had a guest room prepared for you. We will remain here until tomorrow.”

The young woman seemed stunned. She looked around, her gaze lingering upon Darcy before she answered.

“Lady Barrington, I do not wish to intrude. If there are no other obstacles, I can go to Lady Sedgewick’s house immediately. I am quite familiar with the neighbourhood.”

“Of course, if you insist. But, since I was uncertain of the time of my uncle and brother’s return and the results of their quest, I told Mrs. Gilford that we would return tomorrow. But if you prefer to...”

“It is not that I prefer, Lady Barrington. I shall do as you wish. But I do not want to bother anyone and...”

Darcy stepped forward and only then did Elizabeth remember that Cece was not acquainted with either him or Jane. She made the proper introductions and Darcy said with the utmost politeness, “Miss Cecilia, you are most welcome! As Lady Barrington’s friend, we are pleased to finally have you here. We would be delighted to have your company tonight at dinner and on many other occasions.”

Cece stared at him, dumbfounded. “Thank you, sir. I am honoured to meet you. But...you wish me to join you for dinner?”

It was Darcy’s turn to stare in puzzlement.

“It would be our pleasure unless you prefer otherwise.”

“No...I mean yes...But, sir, are you certain?”

Suddenly, Elizabeth recollected Lady Sedgewick’s statement that Cece had never joined them at dinner when they had company, that she never performed for strangers, nor was she allowed to attend any parties. As much as she loved and valued Cece, her ladyship had never broken the rule, and Cece had become accustomed to that decision.

Heavy-hearted, Elizabeth tried to smile. “Cece, you must have no doubts that all of us, including Mr. Darcy, are eager and happy to enjoy your company. Let me show you to your room. I am truly happy to have you here.”

“You are very kind...Lady Barrington?” the young woman whispered, as they both climbed the stairs.

“Yes?”