Page 60 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“The meal is excellent, sir. Like everything in this house,” Elizabeth said.

“Thank you, Lady Barrington. I hope Miss Cecilia will also find her short stay comfortable enough.”

The young woman shifted on her chair with apparent distress.

“Mr. Darcy, it is an honour for me to be invited to remain overnight and to dine in this company. Please do not doubt that I am more than comfortable.”

“I am glad to hear that,” Darcy said and Cece continued.

“I am begging all of you, do not worry for me. I am just trying to adjust to this situation… It is beyond belief. I never expected that someone would take so much trouble to search for me. I was certain that…”

She paused and drank a little water. Elizabeth watched her with compassion and guilt.

“You were certain that I had abandoned you, were you not?”

Cece looked at her with growing distress.

“I was certain that my presence was no longer required. When Lord Barrington came and demanded that I leave, I…”

She paused, troubled that her words had been too unguarded and revealed too much.

“Cece, have no fear of speaking without reserve,” Elizabeth encouraged her. “I trust everyone in this room with my life. There is no restraint and no secrets between us.”

Still hesitant, the young woman continued, her voice unsettled and her lips trembling.

“Lord Barrington told me that your ladyship did not need me any longer. He forbade me from seeing you again, he said my company would be a disgrace for you. He demanded I leave the house immediately, so I did.”

“My dear Cece, your presence is much needed and even more desired. The moment I arrived in London, I sent you a note. When I received no reply, I went to see you and I heard of the cruel treatment you had suffered. Since you were not allowed to take any belongings, and you were completely without means, I feared for your fate...I feared the worst. Fortunately, I remembered what Lady Sedgewick had told me about your property…”

They were both in a perturbed state, overwhelmed by emotions.

“I was not without means. Her ladyship always warned me to be prepared. The documents for the property were secretly kept by her executor, together with an amount of money and a set of jewels. And I had some money sewn into the hem of my gown.”

The others listened with the greatest interest and curiosity, gasping in disbelief.

“A remarkable proof of wisdom and caution. I congratulate you,” Darcy interjected.

“I deserve no praise, sir. Lady Sedgewick taught me everything. She did not trust either Lord Barrington or Lady Augusta. She approved of Lady Barrington very much, but she often worried that she alone would not have the strength to succeed in this marriage. But she never imagined… If she knew… Dear Lord…”

Tears interfered and she was forced to cease her speech. Embarrassed, she apologised countless times, while the others tried to comfort her.

“Cece, your friendship is most valuable to me,” Elizabeth assured her. “Lord Barrington was a disgrace and his words, as much as they hurt you, must be dismissed and forgotten!”

Eventually, with much effort and even more apologies, the young woman regained her composure.

“I do not care about his words, Lady Barrington, but of what you had to suffer. I never imagined...”

“None of us did, Miss Cecilia,” Mr. Gardiner said gently. “We all feel guilty and blame ourselves for not confronting Lord Barrington earlier and…”

“Uncle, Cece, nobody should feel guilty for what they cannot change,” Elizabeth interjected decidedly. “Lord Barrington was not worthy of all the tears and sorrow. I am begging you to end this turmoil now. Come, let us have a little bit of port—I recently discovered that it is excellent for relaxing. And I believe my appetite has just returned.”

Another moment of heavy silence followed, then Cece said, “Yes, a little port would be welcome. Lady Sedgewick was quite partial to it. And I believe my appetite has returned too.”

“Lady Sedgewick seemed to be an extraordinary lady,” Darcy said, filling the glasses of port for the three ladies. Slowly, the tension dissipated like mist in the sunshine.

“Did you ever meet her ladyship, sir?”

“No, Miss Cecilia. I did not have that pleasure. My aunt, Lady Matlock, was closely acquainted with her. I was familiar with her name and the charities under her patronage. And I have heard much of her from Lady Barrington.”