Page 65 of The Mistress of All & Torn

That night, sleep betrayed him again, abandoning him to his tormenting reflections, alone and lonely. And with the resolution that the next day he had to return to his usual life.

Chapter 20

“I hope you had a comfortable night,” Mrs. Gilford said the next morning, as she welcomed them at breakfast.

“Excellent, thank you,” Elizabeth said. She had not. She had barely closed her eyes all night and had startled at every sound. She had kept a candle lit until dawn. In the darkness, the fear had been with her all the time.

“Oh yes, very much so,” Jane replied, blushing most becomingly.

“Yes, very much so,” Bingley repeated.

“I did not sleep much, but I love being home again,” Cece admitted.

“I am glad to hear such positive reports. Would your ladyship like to request anything special for today?” Mrs. Gilford addressed Elizabeth.

“Yes, I would like to speak to the entire staff again. But this time, one by one. I would like to find out as much as possible about each of them.”

The housekeeper was momentarily disconcerted.

“One by one? But it will be quite an effort...”

“Perhaps, but I am sure it will be worth it. Knowing the people around me is the least I can do. And then, I would kindly ask you for a private meeting—Cece will join us too. I wish to understand more about the household—which I am sure is run impeccably. I would like to know more about you too.”

“About me? Of course, ma’am! I will make the arrangements immediately. We will have everything settled as your ladyship requires,” the housekeeper said with solemnity and concern.

“Mrs. Gilford?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Please do not worry—I assure you they will be friendly meetings. I have nothing specific to request,” Elizabeth smiled.

Her warmth confused Mrs. Gilford even more. “Oh, I see. Very well, then. Thank you, ma’am.”

As soon as the housekeeper had left, Elizabeth turned to her companions. “One strange thing about being titled is that I keep getting thanks and apologies without any particular reason. And everyone is willing to hear my requests and to make arrangements accordingly. I am beginning to feel like Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”

The three stared at her, surprised by her mocking tone, then Bingley began to laugh aloud.

“Dearest Lizzy, I am so happy to hear you jesting,” Jane said. “I have missed my witty, teasing, laughing sister so much! I had hoped to see her again soon!”

“Who is Lady Catherine de Bourgh?” Cece asked, confused.

“She is my cousin’s noble patroness. And the inventor of shelves in the closet,” Elizabeth replied in earnest.

Cece was even more puzzled. “Really? We have been using shelves in the closet for many years,” she answered seriously.

“Have you? Well, this news will greatly disappoint Lady Catherine. I look forward to informing her soon. I might write her a letter and sign it Lady Barrington. Perhaps I should check through the legal papers again—I might now be wealthier than she is. That would certainly be one of the biggest advantages of this inheritance,” Elizabeth concluded.

Bingley and Jane continued to laugh, while Cece remained puzzled.

“Do not worry, I will tell you everything about Lady Catherine and my cousin, Mr. Collins, and hopefully you will meet them soon,” Elizabeth assured her.

“There is no hurry. I am just surprised, as I have never seen your ladyship joking and laughing,” Cece admitted.

Elizabeth became serious. “I am trying my best to rise from my misery, Cece. I have had enough,” she said, unconsciously touching the bruises on her neck.

“Indeed. My Lizzy is the bravest, loveliest, cleverest woman I know,” Jane declared.

“Not at all,” Elizabeth replied lightly. “But I must establish our future plans, nevertheless. I would like to invite the trustees and Lady Sedgewick’s executor for a meeting the day after tomorrow. And I hope Mr. Darcy will join us too. Until then, Cece, you must tell me about all of Lady Sedgewick's properties, as I wish to see each of them. The first that I would like to visit are the two schools. I know her ladyship was very fond of them.”