Page 91 of The Mistress of All & Torn

A broad smile twisted Elizabeth’s lips. “Well, your response was unexpected but very eloquent. Come, let us return, we are both wet and cold, we cannot afford to become ill.”

They walked back to the cottage and Cece continued the conversation.

“Elizabeth, please tell me if I am taking too many liberties in addressing you. Regarding Mr. Darcy—have I behaved improperly? Did I do something wrong? Please tell me! I know I am being offered more than I should expect and I most certainly know my place.”

“Cece, I do not believe you do know your place. If you did, you would know how fond of you I am and you would not speak of taking too many liberties. As for Mr. Darcy—I know both he and Miss Darcy enjoy your company exceedingly. I never thought that you would not ‘know your place’. Any man—even one in Mr. Darcy’s situation in life—would have enough reasons to admire and love you.”

“I am relieved to hear you say that. I do worry at times, as so much has changed in my life in less than two months.”

“My entire life has changed several times in less than five months. We are all still adjusting to the new circumstances. I find comfort in your friendship, never doubt that.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth...As for Mr. Darcy—it is quite obvious where his mind and his heart are engaged. I trust you are aware that there is only one object of his interest.”

Elizabeth tried to answer when she heard Jane calling her.

“Lizzy dear, what have you done? You are both wet. Are you well?”

“Very well indeed; we ventured into the sea and we must hurry to change. Did you have a pleasant evening?”

“Very much so. We called on Colonel Forster and they were hosting a party. We remained but a short time, as we preferred a ride around the town. Lydia and Kitty will join us here tomorrow, as soon as they wake up. The colonel promised to send them in his carriage.”

“Very well. I prefer to have them both here.”

“Lizzy? Mr. Wickham was there too. He asked about you. He was very interested to know how you are.”

“I am not interested at all to know how he is. Now please excuse me, I am quite tired. It has been a long day.”

Alone in her room, Elizabeth mused over her conversation with Cece until after midnight. She felt relieved but still restless as she thought of Darcy. Ready to fight for the injustices around her, she was not brave enough to examine her desires and to make any plans for her life. Of her feelings, she had already become certain.

Slowly, tiredness defeated her.

Through the open window, the chill breeze, the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves enveloped her and finally offered her a well-deserved rest.

Chapter 28

Early in the afternoon, Mr. Hoskins went to meet some acquaintances and Kitty and Lydia arrived.

Gathered in the drawing-room with the rest of the party, Elizabeth was eager to see them. When they entered, however, she needed all her self-control to keep her temper. Her sisters burst in shouting and laughing, followed by Lieutenant Denny, Wickham, and two other officers, one of them of colour.

Dumbfounded, Elizabeth glanced at Cece, whose face had already turned into a grimace.

“Lizzy, look who is here! Wickham and Denny! Did you miss them? And Lieutenant Baxter and this is his friend, Mr. Cesar Johnson - he was a sailor or something. I brought him because I thought he would be perfect for Miss Cecilia!”

Elizabeth turned pale and shame made her temples burn. She could barely look at Cece, though she had seen enough to observe that she was more distraught than ever before.

The men remained near the door, except for Wickham who stepped towards her, with his usual expression. His open smile showed he did not doubt his reception. He stopped near Elizabeth, bowed and reached out his hand to take hers.

“Lady Barrington, I am exceedingly happy to see you again. Since we last spoke, I have hoped every day for the chance of meeting you again. I know it is a difficult time for you and please rest assured that I am your most loyal servant.”

Elizabeth clasped her hands behind her back.

“Mr. Wickham. I hope you are in good health. Forgive me, I did not expect company. I am still in mourning and I do not entertain guests.”

“Oh, but they only came to escort us home, they are not guests! Harriet is hosting another party tonight and she said we should go. Can we? Please?”

“Lydia, we will discuss our plans later. Gentlemen, since you are here, please sit for a moment. Mr. Bingley will be your host. He will also perform the introductions properly.”

Once the awkward moment had passed, drinks were ordered. Elizabeth sat on a sofa, alone. Cece sat next to Mary, all three of them silent.