Page 63 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth understood their distrust only too well. When one had escaped from an inferno, their biggest fear would be to be dragged back in. She knew little of the ordeal they had suffered but she could imagine. Each of them had been in those houses, exposed to evil and cruelty, much longer than she had.

She put on a warm smile as she answered.

“I understand your concern and I am glad you have shared it with me. Nobody will take you away against your will. You must not worry about anything, except performing your daily tasks. I will take care of everything else. Is there anything else?”

“Lady Barrington?”

“Yes?”

“Is your ladyship feeling well?” The last question sounded timid and genuine. Tears glistened in Elizabeth’s eyes.

“I am well now. We all are!”

“We are exceedingly happy to have you and Miss Cece here, Lady Barrington!” Mrs. Gilford declared with excitement, supported by a general murmur of approval.

“It is good to be home and to have Lady Barrington here,” Cece whispered in reply.

The meeting ended, just before their emotions threatened to overwhelm them. Each returned to his or her own business, with fewer worries and more hope. With a gripping pain in her chest, Elizabeth prayed that her assurance had dissipated the anxiety of those accustomed to fear. It was another small step towards erasing the memory of Lord Barrington. Lady Sedgewick’s house provided them with the shelter they all needed.

Before dinner, Cece took Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley on a tour of the house.

Although she had visited it several times in the past, most of the house was unknown to Elizabeth. The more she saw, the more she was impressed and burdened by responsibilities. The house itself was the legacy of a long line of Lady Sedgewick’s family, but now there was no direct descendant to take it further. She felt compelled to at least honour their memory and fulfil her ladyship’s expectations and trust in her.

“This house is spectacular,” Bingley said. “I believe it is larger than both Darcy’s and the Matlocks’.”

“It is large indeed, but I do not remember ever seeing more than a few guest rooms used,” Cece said.

“The Sedgewicks were private people, I assume?” Bingley enquired.

“Not quite. They used to accept invitations to balls and dinners often enough and even hosted parties regularly. But nobody actually lived with them. Then, after the earl passed away, her ladyship’s health weakened rather quickly. She took a long tour of all her properties—including the schools—three years ago. After that, she barely left the house.”

In the gallery, they admired the numerous portraits, while Cece offered them details about each painting. Lord and Lady Sedgewick smiled at them from a striking one, placed in the middle of the collection.

Elizabeth gently brushed her fingers over it.

“This is the ring her ladyship gave to me. The one that was stolen from me. God knows where it could be and what dishonourable debts it has paid,” she whispered. “I will never be able to compensate for such a loss.”

“Lizzy, you cannot blame yourself. What could you have done to prevent such a horrible act?”

“Not much, Jane. And I know it was not my fault, but I do blame myself. The significance of the ring was beyond its monetary value.”

“Mrs. Bingley is right, Lady Barrington. As important as the loss is, I know Lady Sedgewick would not wish you to torment yourself even more.”

“Cece?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Please call me Elizabeth.”

The young woman stared at her in disbelief. “I cannot address your ladyship so informally.”

“And why not? I call you by your given name.”

“That is not the same, your ladyship.”

“Of course it is. But I shall not insist if it makes you uneasy. Just please consider that I dread the name ‘Barrington’.”

“I shall try if it is your ladyship’s desire. Now I would suggest returning downstairs—dinner must be ready.”