Chapter 3 #2
“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?”
“Oh, yes… I have daughters and sons,” the gentleman said with apparent pride. “My eldest daughter has just married Mr. Bennet’s cousin, the one to whom Longbourn is entailed, and we have just returned from visiting her. Miss Elizabeth and I…and Maria...”
He continued to mumble, glancing at the illustrious hosts who were struggling to understand his explanations.
“So Mr. Bennet’s estate is entailed upon your son-in-law?” Lady Augusta enquired. “How fortunate for you and sad for the Bennet family.”
“We have become accustomed to the notion and we are doing our best to bear the distress,” Mr. Bennet replied, bringing a smile to Elizabeth’s lips.
She held Jane’s hand while glancing around and wondering once again about the circumstances that had brought them to that house, in the company of these people whom she found difficult to like.
Shortly afterwards, Lady Sedgewick finally took her farewell, while two servants carried her out. Lord Barrington accompanied his aunt to the carriage.
“Well, enough of such serious conversation,” he said as soon as he returned, a large smile on his face. “Mother, I believe dinner is ready?”
“It has been ready for a while,” the lady replied.
“Excellent. Allow me to accompany you to the dining room,” Lord Barrington addressed the guests, while his friends and his mother led the way.
The conversation began slowly; the two parties were clearly separated by their manners and their interests and only the struggle for politeness made the time bearable.
“The Countess of Sedgewick seemed like a formidable lady. She did not appear unwell in the slightest,” Mrs. Gardiner said, to start the conversation.
“Lady Sedgewick is a remarkable woman; she had no children but she dedicated her life to helping others. She is the patroness of several charities, including two schools and a clinic. She also has a large private fortune, including several properties. But her health is poor. We are very blessed and grateful to have her with us yet,” Lady Augusta declared ceremoniously.
“She has no heirs, I understand? No close family?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“Lord Barrington is her closest relative. He will be her heir. Her late husband, Lord Sedgewick, was my brother,” Lady Augusta explained.
“They were both selfish, my father said, and always wished to have their own way. They were always compassionate and generous with the poor but they always demanded things to be done exactly to their liking. They were always kinder to strangers than to their own families,” she continued sharply.
“We are all related to the Egertons, but unfortunately through the female line,” Mr. Lambert explained, trying to sound light and amused.
“And hopefully, we will all inherit a little, but Barrington will receive the most significant part if he complies with the demands set out by Lord Sedgewick in his will, and those further requested by Lady Sedgewick. Poor Barrington. As large as her fortune is, the rules and regulations almost make it not worth the effort.”
“Hardly. The fortune is worth any trouble, strife or struggle and it would drive anyone to accept any obligations,” Mr. St. Claire said seriously, emptying his glass of brandy in one gulp.
“Well, these are quite peculiar circumstances,” Mr. Bennet uttered while Elizabeth was stunned, wondering why they were being given all these intimate details.