Chapter 8
Elizabeth arrived at Barrington House but did not enter. She dismissed the carriage, then walked the short distance to Lady Sedgewick’s house. At the corner of the street, she met Cece, who was returning from a brief stroll in the park.
“I brought her ladyship some fresh flowers. She likes their scent very much,” Cece said.
“How is she today?”
“She was resting when I left the house. But I worry about her very much. She is weaker every day.”
“Is there anything we can do?”
“I am afraid not, Lady Barrington. The doctor is watching over her.”
“Cece, do you think she is in pain?”
“I am not certain. The doctor prescribed her some tea which seems to comfort her. And she never complains. Lady Barrington?”
“Yes?”
“Lady Sedgewick is very fond of you. She says you were her blessing. She trusts you implicitly—she is certain you will carry on her legacy and her charities.”
Elizabeth’s eyes moistened. “I certainly do not deserve such praise. But I shall do my best not to disappoint her. I pray that we have more time with her.”
That afternoon, Elizabeth remained with Lady Sedgewick for longer than usual.
The lady seemed in a good disposition for conversation once she woke up.
She chatted with Elizabeth, asked about her father’s health and about the rest of the family, related some stories from her youth, then asked for some private moments alone with her.
Once Cece had left the room, Lady Sedgewick took her hand.
“My child, tell me, how is your marriage so far?”
“My marriage? As I expected...” she replied reluctantly.
“How is my nephew treating you? Be honest!”
“Very well, indeed. In fact, I have barely seen him. He promised me he would be patient and he is. Each of us is continuing with our previous habits.”
“I see...and your mother-in-law?”
“Lady Augusta is also keeping to her usual habits. We hardly meet except for breakfast and dinner—sometimes.”
“Elizabeth, I wish to talk to you about Cece. I noticed you two are comfortable with each other.”
“I hope so...”
“I waited for you to know her better before telling you the whole story. Her mother was a servant. I do not know how she arrived at our door, asking for employment. We never knew who her father was. Besides her dark skin, her birth and her past are further reasons for rejection. Her personal qualities and accomplishments will never compensate for the flaws she has inherited.”
Elizabeth waited in silence.
“What do you think of that?”
“I think it is a pity that one’s situation in life is more important and carries more weight than one’s own worthiness. But there is little we can do to change that.”
“True. I already told you that I had purchased a small cottage in Surrey in her name. It has three bedchambers, rooms for a few servants and a small garden. It is located near a lovely little village called Ripley. I bought it for her, to be sure she will benefit from it her entire life and also to leave it to her children if she has any.”
“Yes, your ladyship already mentioned that to me. Is there anything I should do?”
“No. The property is already in her name. But I have agreed with Cece to keep the location secret. You must know your husband and mother-in-law would strongly oppose this arrangement, if they knew about it. They cannot accept that Cece might receive anything after I die. This is why I am giving her what I can while I am still alive.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow arched. “I am sorry to hear that. However, as your ladyship mentioned, there is nothing any of us can do, since the papers are in order. The property belongs to her already.”
“Indeed. Except they might upset Cece and humiliate her. And even worse. I would like for her to live in this house, since you will absolutely need her help. But this house is part of my nephew’s inheritance, so I imagine he will throw her out as soon as I die.”
“I promise you that will not happen, your ladyship! Besides, what would he gain from such a gesture? As far as I remember, this house can be used but not sold for the next ten years. Lord Barrington has a beautiful house nearby. Why would he oppose someone taking care of this one, at least until another purpose for it is found?”
“Elizabeth, you are too kind and genuine. I wonder if you will have the strength to fight all these battles and to win them. You have only your uncle to support you, and he has not enough power to stand against the Barringtons. The trustees and my executor can only help you with legal matters, nothing else.”
“Your ladyship, you must not worry. Everything is clear—there is no battle to fight, we must simply follow the legal requirements. You have my heartfelt promise that Cece will benefit from everything you wish her to. This is not a matter for debate.”
∞∞∞
On her way back home, Elizabeth felt increasingly distressed. She was puzzled as to why Lady Sedgewick would worry about matters that had already been cleared up. When she entered, she enquired after her mother-in-law and her husband. The lady was in her apartment, the gentleman was out.
For the rest of the afternoon, she read in the library. Around dinnertime, when she was ready to retire to her chamber, her husband appeared unexpectedly.
She curtsied and greeted him with a smile that tried to be warm. His countenance was severe.
“Madam, may I ask where you have been? And who was the strange man that you met at your aunt’s house? I trusted you, but I fear I might have been wrong to do so.”
Elizabeth’s surprise at such an enquiry quickly turned into offence and then anger.
“May I ask why you, sir, find it appropriate to question me in such a disrespectful manner?”
“No, you may not! And this is not the proper way of answering your husband!”
“Nor a husband’s proper way of addressing his wife, I dare say! The strange man you refer to must be Mr. Bingley. He is no stranger at all, but a gentleman who owned a property near my parents’ estate. He was a family friend and he heard my father was in town, so he called on my uncle.”
“I see. And did this gentleman happen to have a certain preference for you?”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow arched. Surely he could not be jealous.
“Not at all, sir! And even if he did, you must keep in mind that, once I agreed to enter into this marriage, I would never do anything to disgrace it. I do not take my oaths lightly, Lord Barrington!”
Her determination and harsh tone surprised him. Until that moment, Elizabeth had never had the chance to express her true self and she remembered how little he really knew of her.
“If that is the case, you should not walk by yourself in the streets and certainly not expose yourself in the company of a black servant!”
His tone was not just cold, but spiteful and incriminatory. Elizabeth’s anger grew.
“Are you by any chance referring to your aunt’s companion, Cece? I met her at the corner of the street and I do not believe I should have to justify myself in such a way! I do enjoy Cece’s company just as much as your aunt does.”
“You do have to justify yourself, madam! You are now the wife of an earl and you must behave accordingly. And it is your duty to obey your husband—as you should already know!”
“Is it customary for an earl to spy on his wife and to accuse her most undeservingly? I have done nothing but visit my family and your aunt! I have employed my time learning about my future responsibilities. I have never questioned your engagements, but I shall not accept being assaulted by ridiculous suspicions. I have no secrets, sir, and wherever I go, you are more than welcome to join me!”
The argument had already turned into a harsh fight. She expected him to continue, but he suddenly changed his manners.
“You are right, madam. Perhaps we have different expectations regarding this marriage. We will speak more about this soon. Now please excuse me, I must change for another engagement. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
And with that, he left.
Elizabeth was deeply disturbed after the exchange. The notion that one of his men was watching her and reporting her every step to him was probably not unusual in their circle, but surely bothersome for her. And his voice when he mentioned Cece was worrisome—just as Lady Sedgewick had said.
She found little sleep that night and all her previous fears returned, stronger than ever before, as she realised she was indeed forced to obey her husband.
∞∞∞
During the following three days, Elizabeth spent most of her time with Lady Sedgewick, whose state had worsened.
Worried about her father too, Elizabeth sent a man to enquire after him every day and the news was encouraging.
Furthermore, Jane sent her back daily notes about their father’s improvement and Mr. Bingley’s calls, giving Elizabeth hope of a happy outcome.
Her family’s happiness was what mattered the most and compensated for any distress in her own life.
As for Lady Sedgewick, Elizabeth’s heartfelt prayers did not help.
The lady barely ate at all, despite the doctor’s advice.
Elizabeth stood by her side, together with Cece.
At times, she asked Cece to play the pianoforte, or Elizabeth to read.
She appeared to be at peace, waiting for God’s plan for her.
Lord Barrington and his mother came to see Lady Sedgewick once, but they did not try to prevent Elizabeth from staying with her.
The Bennets never came to the Barrington residence again; Lord Barrington never mentioned them and Elizabeth felt uncomfortable inviting them.
On the third week of her marriage, Elizabeth cried with joy when she saw her father sitting up in the chair and whispering “Lizzy.” Also, Mr. Bingley’s visits and his admiration for Jane were now common knowledge. He even mentioned returning to Netherfield, much to Jane’s apparent bliss.
“Darcy has returned to town,” Mr. Bingley said. “I must say, he was shocked to hear of Miss Elizabeth’s marriage, but he asked me to convey his congratulations and best wishes.”
Elizabeth thanked him with discomfort and a slight blush that fortunately, nobody noticed.