Page 90 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“It is not for me to agree, since we already have the evidence,” Elizabeth tried to jest, despite the delicate subject.

“I am sure Mr. Darcy would attach himself only to a woman who is not only handsome but also well-educated, clever and witty and willing to share not just his fortune but also his duties and his struggles.”

“You must be right, of course.”

“And if such a woman was easy to find among the young heiresses of the ton, Lady Sedgewick would have passed her fortune and her responsibilities to one of her many distant nieces,” Cece continued.

“Yes, I remember her arguing on this subject with Miss Lambert, I think. It was at our first dinner with the Barringtons,” Elizabeth replied. As painful as that recollection was, she tried to use it to change the subject. But Cece continued.

“I am sure Lady Sedgewick would have liked Mr. Darcy very much. It is a pity they did not meet. You know, Elizabeth, I do not know Mr. Darcy well, but I would venture to say he is searching for the same sort of woman as Lady Sedgewick was. But for different purposes, of course,” she joked.

Elizabeth felt a tightening in her stomach.

“You must have reflected on Mr. Darcy’s situation quite thoroughly and it is obvious that you appreciate him.”

“Of course I do—who would not? I must tell you, Elizabeth, that I never imagined a man of Mr. Darcy’s situation in life would ever treat me with such politeness, even consideration.”

“Whyever not? Mr. Darcy admires you and with good reason. And I assure you he is always honest in his praise.”

“I never doubted his honesty, this is why I am even more grateful to him. That he took the trouble to see the worthiness of a black woman, who has no family and does not even know her father. The only men who visited Lady Sedgewick were Lord Barrington and his friends. I was rarely in their company, but I never received even a greeting from any of them.”

“I am so deeply sorry, my dear. Cece? You never told me how Lord Barrington acted when he demanded you leave. Did he hurt you?”

“Dear Elizabeth, let us not speak of the past again. I left as he demanded, without any confrontation. We should do better to return to Mr. Darcy. He, and Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam—not to mention your father and your uncle—are among the best of men.”

“Indeed they are. But at times, even the best of men might behave in a way that is easily misjudged. Kindness might easily be seen as preference and friendship as admiration. Mr. Darcy himself used to say that a lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.”

Cece smiled. “Did he say that to you?”

“Oh no, at that time our conversations were scarce. I heard him saying so to Mr. Bingley’s sister, one day when they walked in the Netherfield garden. They did not notice me and I do not know how such a subject arose, I only overheard the end of it.”

“Mr. Darcy might be correct,” Cece replied, amused. “I would not know, as I have rarely been in company with either ladies or gentlemen until recently.”

They took a few more steps. It was already dark; the moon and stars brightened the night and were mirrored in the water. The cottage was in their sight and suddenly Elizabeth took off her shoes and stepped into the water. Cece watched her with astonishment then followed her lead.

“This is so exciting! And cold! But so pleasant! Your actions still surprise me, Elizabeth,” Cece said.

“It is rather shocking to see a widow in mourning walking barefoot in the water, is it not?”

“I could not say; as I mentioned, until recently I have rarely been in company,” Cece jested and Elizabeth laughed.

“I enjoy hearing you laugh, Elizabeth.”

“It is a pleasant feeling...to laugh...and to walk in the water.”

“True!” Another short pause followed, then Cece continued.

“Elizabeth, please tell me...We both know that the word matrimony should be forever strange to me. But are you concerned that I might have misjudged Mr. Darcy’s friendliness? That I am such a simpleton as to interpret his kindness as more than he intends?”

“You are certainly not a simpleton, Cece. And I hope you know I wish you as much happiness as I wish to my sisters.”

“I can see you avoided the answer, so allow me to put you at ease. I very much admire Mr. Darcy and being in his company is a joy and an honour. But I have never desired him to kiss me or to touch me and I am sure neither has he!”

“Cece!!!” Elizabeth cried, in a reprimanding and genuinely astounded voice. She would not have expected such a reply even from Lydia.

Cece began to laugh, but Elizabeth’s frown stopped her.

“Elizabeth, I sincerely apologise, and I beg you to not take my liberty as an offence or lack of respect. Lady Sedgewick was quite partial to such discussions and I felt it would express my sentiments quite accurately. Again, please forgive me.”