Page 89 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Mrs. Dunn, please rest assured that I have vastly enjoyed my time since I arrived,” Elizabeth put her at ease. “I am already planning to spend next summer here, with my family and friends.”

“Oh, what exciting news! We are looking forward to having you here. We have a total of six chambers, four for the family and two guests rooms, and...”

“Dear Mrs. Dunn, do not distress yourself already! Please sit and have tea with us. I trust we will find a way to spend a happy summer,” Elizabeth replied.

In the evening, Jane, Charles and Mary opted for a carriage ride into Brighton, to call on Colonel Forster and make their presence known. Cece chose to remain at home with Elizabeth, while Mr. Hoskins withdrew to his chamber early.

After a detailed tour of the house and more conversation with Mrs. Dunn, Elizabeth enjoyed a cup of tea, indulging herself in admiring the stunning sunset.

“Cece, would you like to go for a walk? On the shore?”

“Of course! I intended to suggest the same, but I feared you were too tired. Your effort in the last month has been extraordinary, Elizabeth.”

“Not by far,” Elizabeth answered as they left the house together. “If I look tired, it must be from these mourning clothes. I feel like a complete hypocrite wearing them. But since I chose to follow the rules, I must stick to them.”

“There are four more months of complete black,” Cece said.

“Yes; at least it will be useful in the cold weather,” Elizabeth jested.

Within minutes, the narrow path brought them out on the shore. Gentle waves were breaking on the beach and a soft breeze was blowing, while the sun continued slowly descending and the moon was already showing a timid face.

“Will we return to Hertfordshire tomorrow?” Cece asked as they walked along the water’s edge.

“No, not tomorrow. Now that we are here, I would like to stay at least two more days. I wrote to Papa earlier, to inform him we had arrived safely.”

“And shall we go to London?”

“To London? I am not certain. Since Papa can not travel yet, and I must follow my plans, I would like to stay at Longbourn for a fortnight, before we continue our journey. We only have two more properties to visit.”

“Surely you are aware that the manager of the second school must have heard the extensive changes you imposed at Old Oak School. By the time you arrive there, things might look impeccable, even if they had previously not been.”

“I expect that, Cece. But my purpose is for the boys to have the best treatment, not to punish someone. We will have to check the ledgers carefully and once there, will see what amendments are required.”

A wave crashed at their feet and Elizabeth jumped back. Cece laughed.

“This is so beautiful,” Elizabeth whispered, glancing around and breathing deeply. “We must find a way to bring the children here for at least a month every summer.”

Cece’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“All the children? There is no room for them!”

“Yes, all. The girls one month and the boys another. I know there is no room now, but perhaps we could construct another small building with three rooms, at the back of the cottage. I am sure that, for the sake of this beauty and the pleasure of sea bathing, the children would not complain about the sleeping arrangements. I remember myself as a child—when I loved a place so much, I would have gladly slept on the floor.”

“True,” Cece responded. “It is a generous but bold idea and a significant endeavour.”

“But it would be worth the effort, I am sure. I shall ask Mr. Darcy’s advice on the best way to accomplish it.”

The mere mention of his name made her shiver more than the soft breeze.

“Do you have any news about Mr. Darcy? When do you expect him?” Cece enquired after a brief pause.

Elizabeth felt her cheeks warming. “Only what we have all heard from Charles. What other news could I have? We hope to see him and Miss Darcy at Netherfield soon if his affairs will allow it.”

“A man like Mr. Darcy must be quite busy all the time. He seems very industrious in his duties. He is precisely what Lady Sedgewick hoped for in a son or a nephew. Sadly, her wish remained unfulfilled. Even worse, so many of her relatives betrayed her trust!”

“It is very sad indeed. And yes, I imagine anyone would wish for a son like Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth approved.

“Or a husband,” Cece replied. “It is no wonder so many women chase him, as Mr. Bingley says. However, I wonder how many of those women would meet Mr. Darcy’s expectations for a wife. None, I would say, since he is still single. Would you not agree?”