Page 66 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Where are the schools situated?” Bingley enquired.

“One of them is in Surrey, the other is in Sheffield,” Cece explained. “There is also an estate in Kent and one in Warwickshire, a cottage in Brighton, and another house in town where there is a clinic for the poor. The main Sedgewick estate belonged to the earldom and was returned to the Crown when Lord Sedgewick passed away.”

With every piece of knowledge, Elizabeth’s bewilderment and anxiety increased, while the Bingleys listened in consternation.

“I did not realise there were so many,” Jane whispered.

“Neither did I,” Elizabeth responded, struggling with the news.

“Both Lord and Lady Sedgewick inherited properties from their families. On her ladyship’s side, there was no male entailment and she was the only living heir.”

“I am surprised, as I do not remember her mentioning all this,” Elizabeth said.

“I assume Lady Sedgewick concentrated on what was most important to her, especially the schools,” Cece answered. “As you were married, all the properties belonged to your husband, so she must have seen no reason to detail them all to you. Lord Barrington and Lady Augusta were well acquainted with every piece of the Sedgewick fortune.”

“Of course they were. It is no wonder Lord Barrington needed a scheme and a victim to help him obtain such extensive wealth. Surely he would have done anything to inherit it. He very likely envisioned himself a young widower, indulging in every pleasure, with no concern for the expense. With all the documents he asked me to sign, if I died, all the restrictions and limitations would have disappeared with me.”

“Lizzy darling...” Jane called her, but Elizabeth continued, distressed and furious.

“And he almost succeeded. My life was a useless burden after he had used me to obtain the inheritance legitimately.”

Cece immediately interjected.

“Lady Barrington, I assure you Lady Sedgewick never considered such a turn of events. She might have omitted to tell you some details, but surely she did not intend to deceive you. She never suspected that you could be in danger. Such malice, such cruelty in Lord Barrington is unbelievable!”

Elizabeth touched her hand to calm her.

“None of us ever considered such a turn of events, nor suspected I had married such an oppressive and vicious man. I most certainly do not blame her ladyship, nor suspect her of deceit. After all, I should be thrilled to find out that I am even richer than I realised,” Elizabeth said with bitter sadness.

For a while, they ate in silence, then Elizabeth turned towards Cece again. “But tell me, how do all these properties function? Who is responsible for all the expenses?”

“There are servants in every house. As I said, I last visited them with Lady Sedgewick three years ago. Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Finch are surely more knowledgeable in the matter. They supervise the expenses, I imagine.”

“I wish to speak to them as soon as possible. We must see if Lady Sedgewick’s documents are still in the house or if Lord Barrington destroyed them.”

“Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Finch are in possession of the same documents, I know. They used to meet her ladyship once every three months regarding the financial issues.”

“Let us see what we can find here. Charles, will you call on Mr. Darcy today?”

“Yes, that is my intention.”

“Please kindly ask him to pay us a visit as soon as possible. I would like to take his advice even before I meet the solicitor and executor. If he is not otherwise engaged, of course,” she added, feeling her cheeks strangely flushed.

“Of course. May I invite him to dinner?”

“Certainly—it would be our pleasure to have his company. As I said, he is welcome any time, no formal invitation is required. We are already in his debt more than we could ever repay.”

“Excellent! I will tell him. I am sure he is not otherwise engaged. He said he will adjust his schedule this summer so he can help you.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks coloured slightly, while she turned to her sister.

“Jane, will you join us?”

“No, Lizzy; I am of little use in a business conversation. I would like to pay a visit to Aunt Gardiner if you do not mind. May I ask for the carriage?”

“Dearest, remember that this is your house too, and you may do as you please. Please convey my love to everyone! I hope to see them soon.”

“Thank you, Lizzy, I will!”