Page 62 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Lizzy...Lizzy! Of course, we would! We would be happy to. You must not worry—we will not leave you alone again. Charles and I, Uncle and Aunt, Mama and Papa, Lydia, Kitty and Mary—we will all be at your side.”

Elizabeth embraced her sister tightly.

“Jane, I do not wish for our family to know. I did write to Papa twice, and Aunt Gardiner wrote to Mama. And I am sure the reports have long reached Hertfordshire. But I will stay away from them until my scars are completely healed. I am sure Papa imagines the worst, but I must protect him from the whole truth. I will visit them soon and I will invite them to London when I am well enough. You must promise you will keep the secret.”

Jane caressed her hair and kissed her forehead.

“You must not doubt me, Lizzy, nor Charles or Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Everything will be done as you wish.”

“Thank you.”

“I did not even mention Mr. Darcy. I can see you confide in him. I must admit my consternation—I was unaware you were such close friends. You must have improved your acquaintance in Kent, as I cannot think of another time.”

“We were not friends before he came to rescue me. I misjudged and offended him most abominably while we were in Kent. And yet, his superior character and generous nature induced him to share the blame with me and to forgive me. What he has done for me, considering our past misunderstandings, is beyond words and beyond gratitude.”

“I cannot deny that, Lizzy. I noticed the improvement in Mr. Darcy’s manners the day I met him again, two months ago. However, his involvement in your situation proves the goodness of his heart. This cannot be changed so easily. I am sure in essentials he always has been the same excellent gentleman. I am glad you have cleared up your past disagreements.”

“We have. I confess I felt protected and safe in his house. I am fortunate to have his friendship and loyalty. And your love, of course,” she concluded, embracing her sister.

“Dearest Lizzy...” Jane whispered, embracing her again. “Oh, forgive me, I forgot about your bruises. Did I hurt you?”

“No, my dear. Your affection is the best palliation. Now let us go downstairs. Please talk to Charles about moving here and I must speak to Cece and Mrs. Gilford. There are so many things to be done, that I cannot imagine where to start.”

∞∞∞

For the rest of the day, the house was filled with disruption and noise.

The Bingleys chose two rooms in the secluded guest wing and went to Grosvenor Street to fetch their belongings for a longer stay.

Together with Cece and the housekeeper, Elizabeth met the entire staff. With the servants from the Barringtons’ properties appearing all of a sudden, there was much uncertainty and concern among the servants, with everyone worrying about their own position.

Elizabeth noticed the young maid from the Barrington townhouse—Libby—that she had found crying in pain during the first days of her marriage. It had been the first warning of the nightmare that would follow and she had failed to heed it.

She decided to speak to the girl privately after she had addressed the group.

“I assure you that nobody will be abandoned. We need a few days to examine the properties and the best way to manage them. Then we will find the best option for each of you, I promise you. Until then, let us try to stay calm and accustom ourselves to these new circumstances. These last months have been trying and painful for everyone. From now on, everybody will be safe. This I promise you.”

A whispered “thank you” ran through the large gathering.

“Also, if you know people who were forced to leave the Barrington houses but still need employment, please encourage them to address me with no reserve. As I said, nobody will be abandoned.”

Another murmur of astonishment followed that proof of generosity. Incredulous stares fixed on her, wondering if they could truly count on her apparent kindness.

“Please ask me if you have any more questions,” Elizabeth encouraged them.

“Lady Barrington?”

“Yes?”

“Is Sarah well?” one of the maids asked.

“Yes. She is upstairs—you may visit her if you wish. She still needs to rest before she leaves her bed.”

“Lady Barrington?”

“Yes?” It was Libby who had enquired in a low, tentative voice.

“Is it true that you are now the mistress? Can Lady Augusta not take us back?”