Chapter 9
While she mourned Lady Sedgewick and still worried for her father, Elizabeth barely remembered what had occurred below stairs.
She did not have any time to address her husband about the situation of the hurt maid for a few days. But when she finally did, his reply had been harsh.
“It is neither my duty nor yours to interfere in the servants’ problems. These sort of low people have a different way of thinking and behaving. And I would rather you did not go below stairs again, madam. You only need to ring and someone will attend to your needs immediately.”
To such a response, Elizabeth had no words to reply, only more weight added to her heart. She hoped that, as Lady Sedgewick had once said, her position would allow her to arrange things to her liking.
There were some papers she and Lord Barrington had to sign, in the presence of the trustees and solicitors, but she did not give them too much thought. Since nothing was truly hers, there was nothing she could lose, so any document she signed could not harm her in any way.
Although her acquaintance with Lady Sedgewick had been rather brief, she missed the lady dearly. With Cece she barely had time to speak, so caught up she had been in the tumult of events.
At the end of June, the Bennets returned to Longbourn. Mr. Bennet was well enough to bear the journey and he expressed—with slight coherence—his desire to return home.
As happy as she was for her father’s improvement, Elizabeth received the news of her family’s departure with grief and despair.
At that moment, she wished for nothing more than to leave with them and for things to be as they were two months ago.
She felt like an abandoned child, left behind, and she reflected on this separation with tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat.
“It is a fortunate coincidence they are leaving London,” the earl said. “We will move to our country estate too in a few days. You have not even seen it yet.”
The news took Elizabeth by surprise. “Your country estate, sir?”
“Yes. It is half an hour outside London, by carriage. Quite extensive grounds, with a large mansion.”
“But sir, should we not visit Lady Sedgewick’s properties first? To introduce ourselves, since we are now responsible for supervising her charities? Especially the schools?”
“Do not worry, all is settled. We will visit them—sometime in the future. For now, there are two trustees and two solicitors taking care of business matters. No need to trouble yourself. They know where to find us if our approval is needed.”
“But sir...”
“Elizabeth, I understood your worry about your father and I found it commendable that you crossed London every day to visit him. I also appreciated your care for my aunt. But I would expect the same regard for my mother—who is not young, nor very healthy and she spends most of her time alone. A few weeks in the countryside would benefit you both.”
Elizabeth took the reproach to heart, with no means to argue it. Indeed, she had barely considered Lady Augusta at all.
“I look forward to visiting your country estate and spending more time with Lady Augusta, sir,” she agreed, most willing to meet her new family’s expectations.
“Good.”
“Lord Barrington?”
“Yes?”
“I would like to visit my parents tomorrow, as they will depart the next day.”
“You should do as you please, madam.”
“And I would like to speak to Cece briefly too, since we will be gone for several weeks.”
“I can hardly imagine what you have to talk about with that woman—but I see no reason for another argument. It is your choice,” the earl responded, his displeasure obvious.
The next morning Elizabeth did not meet her husband at breakfast, but she followed her plan.
She spent more than two hours with her parents and sisters, taking a warm farewell.
She tried to sound joyful and optimistic, despite her heavy heart.
While her father held Elizabeth’s hand all the time, her sisters and mother were excited about her future attendance at balls and parties.
Jane seemed oblivious to everything, except the fact that Mr. Bingley was expected to open Netherfield in a week's time.
Later in the afternoon, she left her family and, barely concealing her sadness, she called briefly at Lady Sedgewick’s house and had a cup of tea with Cece.
“Will you remain in town?” Elizabeth asked. “Or do you prefer to retire to your property?”
“I do not know, Lady Barrington. I would rather stay in London and wait for your ladyship, in case you need me. I will do as your ladyship requests. I wish to be of help in any way I can.”
“I have no requests for you, Cece. I confess I would like to take you with me, but...”
The young woman startled. “Oh no, your ladyship, please no!”
“Do not worry, my dear,” Elizabeth said, puzzled by the reaction and trying to comfort her.
“I do worry, Lady Barrington. Mostly for you! I am thinking of you all the time.”
“My dear, I appreciate your concern, but truly there is no need,” Elizabeth answered, embracing her. Cece seemed surprised by the affectionate gesture, and returned it hesitantly.
“Please do not tell anyone that I own a property, Lady Barrington. I do not want anyone to know.”
“Of course. You may trust in my secrecy. I must leave now, but we will speak again soon.”
“God bless you, Lady Barrington.”
“Goodbye, my dear. Do not worry, I will take care of everything,” Elizabeth said.
She walked back home, lost in her thoughts. The emotions of the separation overwhelmed her. She knew she was being silly—any woman in her position would be happy to leave with her husband—an earl. But she wished for nothing more than to be home at Longbourn again.
“Miss Bennet?” she heard a voice calling to her and raised her eyes in disbelief.
Already fighting her own turmoil, she was stunned to see Darcy only steps away, together with a young woman of exceptional beauty who was holding his arm tightly.
“Mr. Darcy!”
He bowed with apparent distress. “Forgive me—Lady Barrington, I understand? Please allow me to congratulate you...”
“Thank you, sir...” They were in the middle of the street and she briefly wondered if someone was still watching her and would report it to her husband.
“Would you allow me to introduce my sister to you?” he asked hesitantly.
Elizabeth turned to the young lady who was looking at her with curious blue eyes.
“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy,” she said, trying to smile politely.
“I am delighted to meet you, Lady Barrington,” the young woman whispered, curtseying.
“Lady Barrington?” Elizabeth turned to face another voice—joyful and well known. Bingley approached her and bowed. “How lovely to see you? Are you alone, Lady Barrington?”
“Yes...My house is but a minute away. I have been to Lady Sedgewick’s house. We will leave London soon. We are going to the Barrington country estate,” she mumbled, trying to keep her countenance.
“I was on my way to meet Darcy and here they are. Have you and Miss Darcy been introduced? I will return to Hertfordshire soon but I am not certain exactly when. I intended to accompany your parents and sisters tomorrow, but I still have some unfinished business. Darcy just told me I should go, as he will take care of the rest. I hope I can do that...”
Through Bingley’s animated chatter, Elizabeth glanced at Darcy and met his eyes briefly. If she had any doubts about his opposition to Bingley’s reacquaintance with Jane or any suspicions that he might be interested in connecting Bingley to his sister, they all vanished in a heartbeat.
Still, his manners were more rigid and more aloof than ever, his eyes dark and blurry—as she remembered them from that dreadful proposal, and his expression frowning and stern.
If Bingley's return to Hertfordshire did not upset him, surely then the encounter with her did, and she could not blame him. No man in his position would wish to ever meet the woman who had offended him so deeply and so unjustly.
“I am glad to hear that, Mr. Bingley. I am sure my family will be happy to have your company. Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, it was a great pleasure to meet you both. Mr. Darcy, I cannot stay longer, but I must take this opportunity to thank you for clarifying my misunderstandings back in Kent and please be assured that it was helpful and enlightening.”
Darcy stared at her in disbelief. He did understand her meaning and for a moment, emotions coloured his face.
“There is nothing to thank me for, Miss...Forgive me, Lady Barrington. Quite the opposite, I owe your ladyship some apologies.”
“No indeed, sir. I beg you to forgive me, I really cannot stay longer, as I am expected at home,” she said, desperate to conclude the encounter.
She turned and hurried her steps until she reached the house. In front of it, she looked back and saw Darcy still in the same spot, staring at her, while Bingley was talking to Georgiana.
Her own stare lingered upon him for only a moment, then the doorman invited her in. She entered and hurried to her chamber and did not leave it until the next morning. Nobody asked about her, anyway.
∞∞∞
Two days later, Lady Elizabeth Barrington left London with her mother-in-law and her husband. In another carriage, several of his friends were following.
She was completely oblivious to the party joining them, but it was of little consequence to her. She knew several in the group and the others had been only briefly introduced to her. She had no interest in finding out more.
“I suggest continuing the same sleeping arrangement as in London,” Lord Barrington said. “The master suite is not properly arranged for the mistress yet, but there is a splendid apartment in the west wing. My grandmother used it.”
“It is splendid indeed,” Lady Augusta approved.
“Any arrangement will be acceptable to me,” Elizabeth assured them. “I understand that there has been no time for changes and adjustments. I look forward to meeting the staff and to assuming my duties.”
The two exchanged brief looks.
“There will be time for everything. For now, just enjoy your stay. I see no reason why we all cannot enjoy our residence there. That is my goal for the present.”
At that moment, Darcy’s words from the ball came into her mind—“I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.”
She ceased her own foolishness, ashamed to think of another man—even in the most innocent way—when she was with her husband.
She looked through the window, admiring her surroundings.
The Barrington estate was spread out across open grounds and the road was lined with trees.
The park was neat and colourful and the manor an impressive stone building, revealing the importance of the family that owned it.
If nothing else, it was a lovely place for long walks, Elizabeth reflected, as the carriage stopped in front of the entrance.
They all climbed down and Elizabeth looked around, waiting for some explanation from her husband.
He offered one arm to Elizabeth and one to his mother, yelling at his joyful and noisy friends to follow them.
They entered the house and the heavy door closed behind them. It seemed a large party, desirous to entertain themselves.
Elizabeth watched them, annoyed, upset and disappointed by her husband’s shallowness. Lady Sedgewick had just passed away and his only goal was to entertain himself—as he had just declared.
But not for a moment could she imagine the horrifying nightmare that would soon swallow her, nor the dreadful battle she would have to fight for her life from the moment she entered that house.