Page 9 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“We are honoured to be here,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, while Elizabeth, Jane and Maria sat together on a sofa.

“I shall not stay for dinner, as this doctor here is very strict with my schedule and diet,” Lady Sedgewick said.

“It is my duty to take care of your ladyship’s well being,” Dr. Linfield replied.

“Everybody is expecting me to die, but I am stubborn enough to cheat death and the living. I wish for another glass of port, please!” she demanded.

“Your ladyship!” the doctor intervened, but she dismissed him with a gesture.

“Come, Doctor—you already feared that I would die last month. And here I am, healthy enough to drink, eat and mind my own business. During that time, I enjoyed more glasses of port than I can count or remember. What harm can one more do?”

“My dear Aunt, you must listen to Dr. Linfield. We are all worried for you and we hope to have you with us for as long as possible!” Lord Barrington said, taking the lady’s hand affectionately. She dismissed him too.

“Yes, yes, you are frightened I will die before I put my business affairs in order!”

“Aunt!” the earl interrupted her indignantly. “That is hardly fair; I have always worried for your health.”

“Of course you have; my death will be useful only if it occurs under the appropriate circumstances. Let us not argue over what is obvious. Better give me that glass of port,” Lady Sedgewick demanded.

She took a sip, then glanced at the guests.

“Do not mind me, I am only an annoying and bitter woman. So lovely to make your acquaintance, I rarely meet new people these days, and as for the old ones, I hardly like them enough to miss them. So, Mr. Bennet, I understand you own a small estate in Hertfordshire?”

“Yes, ma’am” he answered, surprised by such illustrious interest.

“Your daughters are very pretty. Do you have any sons too?”

“No, no sons… Only three more daughters.”

“Five daughters? Dear Lord,” Lady Sedgewick exclaimed, making everyone uncomfortable.

“Forgive me, I did not mean to sound rude,” she continued. “Actually, I have always believed daughters to be better than sons, at least in their affection and loyalty to their family. But it must be difficult for you and your wife to educate them properly, to hire governesses, and to assure them large enough dowries to make a suitable marriage. They seem very pretty girls, but that is hardly enough.”

“It saddens me to admit your ladyship’s assumption is correct. We could not afford governesses, but the girls were all offered support to learn. As expected, some of them have been more diligent in this endeavour than others. As for their dowries, I have had few reasons to worry about them, since they are barely existent.”

Mr. Bennet spoke with more amusement than concern. It was a situation with which he had been long accustomed and he had never attempted to conceal it. Elizabeth and Jane, however, shared embarrassment at having their family’s situation discussed in such a manner.

“My husband and I prayed and hoped for many years to have children, but God did not grant us such a blessing. He might have had a plan of his own, but we could not understand it. My husband passed away with regrets and worry and I will follow him soon. And I dread knowing that everything we have accomplished will be wasted.”

“My dear Aunt, you should put aside such tormenting and groundless thoughts! I shall do everything in my power to carry on your legacy,” the earl continued.

“No, you will not! You have not the will nor the strength, nor the skills required for hard work. Like most young people of your age and consequence, you see your fortune and position as a privilege you deserve. You care for the advantages and the comfort and neglect any responsibility. Had I had at least a daughter or a niece to teach her…”

“Your ladyship, that statement is undeservedly harsh and unfair. It sounds like an insult to our entire class,” Lady Colleen interjected coldly.

“Does it? If so, I do apologise. Would you be interested in taking over my charities? Would you fill your days with anything that might threaten your comfort?” Lady Sedgewick enquired, jeeringly.

“My days are quite busy, as I study to improve myself in every possible way. I have not a moment to spare for causes imposed upon me by others,” Lady Colleen answered imperiously.

“What a brave response! Do not worry, nobody will interfere in your quest for perfection, my dear. You have just proven my earlier assumptions.”

“Dear Aunt, this conversation is too serious for a pleasant dinner party.” Lord Barrington attempted to mediate the heated argument.

“True,” Lady Sedgewick admitted. “Besides, it is already too late. I have limited time remaining and little can be accomplished before the end comes. Forgive me, I have been terribly rude to dominate the conversation. Do tell us a little bit about yourself, Sir William. You are a knight, I assume?” the lady then switched the subject of her curiosity.

Sir William was stunned by the direct question and gulped several times before he confirmed her statement.

“Do you have children?”