Page 59 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“All is well now? Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bingley told me what happened and it was so difficult to believe such horror. And now that I see you...This is...”

“We have much to discuss, Cece! I have many things to tell you and even more to enquire about. But you are here now and yes, all is well now.”

∞∞∞

Half an hour later, they reunited in the dining room. The grand table was elegantly arranged but only half occupied, as they all gathered close to each other. It was a moment worthy of celebration. Another consequence of Lord Barrington’s cruelty had been mended and, even if they expected many more, for the time being, they could breathe in relief.

The grief that had burdened them for a long while slowly dissipated. There was no room for joy and laughter yet, but hearts were lighter and spirits higher.

Elizabeth looked at her companions—some of the people most dear to her. It was a mere dinner amongst friends, yet she felt strangely anxious. With a tightness in her chest, she comprehended the reason: it was the first time she had attended a dinner in many weeks. Perhaps only the third time since her husband had imprisoned her at the Barrington estate.

“Lizzy?” she heard Jane’s soft voice. She startled and replied, without considering her words.

“This is my third dinner.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment. It was inconsiderate of her to bring up such a tormenting subject, ruining the others’ enjoyment.

“It is nothing—do not worry, Jane. Let us eat—I cannot remember when I was last so hungry,” she attempted to jest. However, she failed to relieve her companions’ concern and puzzlement.

She felt Darcy’s stare upon her and her eyes briefly locked with his. It was enough to see that he understood her unwilling confession. His dark gaze, filled with grief and compassion, was heavy to bear.

The palpable tension lasted until Mr. Gardiner broke it. “Now this is a proper dinner for starving people! And an excellent wine, indeed!”

“I am very hungry too,” Bingley admitted. “But more than the food, it is so lovely to be here—all of us together. I remember how worried and nervous Elizabeth was yesterday. But we found Miss Cecilia quite easily.”

“True,” Mr. Gardiner said. “And the property is lovely—not a small cottage at all!”

“Lovely!” Bingley agreed. “Darcy, this steak is delicious! The best I have ever eaten.”

“You have eaten it many times before, Bingley. But hunger always enhances the taste of any dish,” Darcy smiled.

“I shall not argue with that,” Bingley admitted.

The conversation improved—mostly conducted by Bingley and Mr. Gardiner, with some help from Jane and Darcy. Between tasty courses and good wine, words flew freely.

Elizabeth spoke little, still troubled by painful reflections. Not so long ago she used to enjoy talking, teasing, jesting, being in the middle of every conversation. Now, several months after she had become Lady Barrington, her mind seemed frozen by a perpetual anxiety that barely allowed her to speak or move. For an instant, she wondered when she would laugh again.

Next to her, Cece was equally silent, scarcely ate and obviously struggled with the company.

“Miss Cecelia, are you unwell?” Bingley asked unexpectedly.

The young woman looked at him in apparent surprise.

“Unwell? No, not at all…”

“You are very quiet and I thought…”

“Thank you for your kindness, sir. I am quite well.”

“But you have barely eaten,” Elizabeth said affectionately.

“Neither have you, your ladyship.”

“True,” Elizabeth admitted. “It seems we both lack appetite…”

“I hope the meal is to your liking, ladies,” Darcy interjected.