Page 87 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Excellent. It will be the first small step towards managing this property so it may provide everything the school needs in terms of proper food. We will immediately purchase chickens, goats, pigs and two cows. We will need workers to build some shelters as soon as possible. In the spring, you will lay out a garden and will start growing vegetables. We will rent part of the estate for farming.”

The women stared at Elizabeth in disbelief.

“But…Lady Barrington, as much as we are willing to try, we do not know how to do that. We are teachers. And most of our time, we are involved in study and the girls’ education.”

“I am well aware of that. You should dedicate your time to the girls. I will hire more staff to run the school properly. You need more maids for proper cleaning, gardeners, workers for the animals, and most certainly farmers.”

“But… how will we afford all these things? The income barely covered the expenses as they were until now,” a teacher asked shyly.

“That is far from the truth. From what we saw—and Miss Cecilia, who is quite proficient in business, might confirm—the expenses were less than a quarter of the income. I assume the rest of the money was wasted! Or stolen.”

The astonishment silenced the teachers once again.

“We did not know that…I give you my word that we…” Mrs. Russell mumbled.

“I have not accused you; I am well aware the only one who controlled the finances was Mr. Mullen. This is why from now on, both the manager of the school and the future steward of the estate will work together as treasurers. If this estate is managed efficiently and honestly, despite the additional staff, I am sure the expenses will diminish and the income will increase in the next two years.”

“This is quite extraordinary,” Mrs. Russell whispered with great preoccupation.

“I am glad you approve of it, Mrs. Russell, as I hope you will take on the responsibilities of the school manager immediately. You may need to hire more teachers, since three have left and you now have a different assignment. I trust that you will act for the benefit of the pupils.”

The superintendent was lost; doubtful, tearful, she covered her mouth with trembling hands, gazing at Elizabeth in disbelief, while the other teachers began to applaud enthusiastically.

“First, however, I must finish laying out my demands. I forbid any child to work! All children are here for shelter and education—orphaned or not! Of course, the girls must be taught to accomplish the usual chores appropriate for their ages. Everyone must contribute to keep their rooms clean. This is mandatory for a young woman. I also expect that, besides their daily studies, encouraging the girls to do something they enjoy. Some of them might like gardening, others cooking, or teaching others, or singing or drawing. They must be taught good habits, but not those implied by Mr. Mullen. They need to be taught to follow the rules and disciplined when they do not, but in a kind, respectful way. We must show them the behaviour we expect from them! They must be punished if needed—but the punishment must be appropriate to the wrong. No children will ever be beaten or physically hurt in any way again! This is my firmest demand, one that I expect to be obeyed unconditionally.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Russell replied solemnly.

“Another delicate issue is to establish the additional benefits for the children who are supported by their families. We cannot deny them some increase in circumstances due to their family’s involvement. But we must decide in what way. The basic classes must be mandatory for all the children, as well as the good food and comfortable clothing.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Russell repeated energetically, all her distress put aside and suddenly caught up in the enthusiasm for the long-due improvements.

Elizabeth smiled.

“And, starting tomorrow, we must hire some workers to repair the house. We will have neat rooms, colourful walls, clean beds and inspiring classrooms. And new, decent, age-appropriate clothes and shoes must be ordered for the girls. Simple, but comfortable. Considering there are fifty growing children, as well as the teachers, we will need new clothes often. It may be more efficient to hire two seamstresses and perhaps some of the older girls will learn the skill too. The winter is coming—we need wood to keep the school warm inside and thick clothes and shoes for children to play outside.”

Elizabeth continued to share her thoughts, animated and passionate, watched by Cece with unconcealed pride and by the teachers with equal veneration and disbelief.

Eventually, she stopped and glanced around. “So? What do you think?” she enquired.

“We will do everything we can to fulfill your expectations, Lady Barrington,” Mrs. Russell answered. “But…”

“Yes? Please do tell me what you think.”

“Is your ladyship certain that all this is possible? I do not doubt either your word or your good will, but it seems like a fairy tale. Several hours ago, the girls had burnt porridge for dinner, and now…I would rather not stir their hopes, if they will be shattered. I beg your forgiveness if my words sound offensive…We are truly grateful to you for your support. It is just that after all these years…”

Elizabeth stretched out her hand to the superintendent. “Mrs. Russell, Lady Sedgewick’s support over the years would have been enough to already have Old Oak as I just described it. Sadly, her ladyship’s trust and good heart have been deceived and betrayed once again and the girls suffered undeservingly. All my expectations are the same as Lady Sedgewick intended. The changes are not only possible but urgently required. As I said, starting tomorrow!”

Mrs. Russell’s eyes filled with tears, and the other teachers were no different. They only nodded, while Elizabeth and Cece struggled with their own emotions.

“Now let us go to dinner. We must announce the changes to the girls immediately. They deserve as much.”

∞∞∞

The dinner marked the start of a new life for fifty girls, their teachers and many others. Bingley, Jane, Mary and Mr. Hoskins attended too and the latest news was shared with them. Shocked, Mr. Hoskins insisted on accusing Mr. Mullen of deception and theft, but that was a subject for another time and place.

While the girls greedily enjoyed the food they had not touched in a long time, if ever, gathered closely at two tables back to back, loud discussions began, as never witnessed before at that school. Through bursts of joy, many girls mentioned they had a sibling, a parent or a relative searching for employment, or expressed their willingness to work themselves.

In the joyous tumult, Darcy’s image appeared vividly in Elizabeth’s mind. She painfully wished for him to be there, to see how much she had learned from him, how much knowledge and self confidence she had gained from his friendship, to share the sentiment of fulfillment with him. And there, in the middle of the din, she realised one more time that such strong feelings and such a longing could not just mean friendship. But since only friendship was possible, she must be resigned to it, if only she could meet him again soon.