Chapter 27
After the emotional, yet rewarding days at the school, the party headed towards the estate in Kent.
This time, her visit had been announced.
As was already apparent from the books, the Silverwood estate—inherited by Lady Sedgewick from her own parents—was successfully managed.
It was the only one whose income exceeded its expenses.
The tenants had collaborated in the last three years to cultivate the lands during all the cycles of the year, producing a significant increase in their own and the estate’s income.
Elizabeth remained only a night and two days, employing her time in conversation with the housekeeper, the steward and three of the oldest tenants.
She also met the staff—as was her custom everywhere—and was enchanted by the lightness of the atmosphere in the house.
After so many disappointments and betrayals from people related to Lady Sedgewick, she was happy to witness the loyalty and hard work of dependable, honest people.
Her presence in Kent revived old memories.
However, the last few days had brought about a meaningful alteration within Elizabeth and regrets, as well as painful recollections and self-blame found less and less space in her heart and mind.
She reflected upon the last months of her life, her misjudgement, her errors, her poor decisions, which until recently she so much regretted.
She began to consider the past—starting with her refusal of Darcy’s proposal, then her marriage to Barrington, the months of terror and suffering, and the unexpected accident that left her a widow—as steps she had to climb, one by one, towards the point where she had found herself surrounded by the unrestrained joy of fifty girls.
Nothing could ruin that inner joy, all her suffering was worth that gratification.
If necessary, she would have endured the ordeal all over again for the pleasure of seeing those fifty shining faces.
∞∞∞
The party arrived in Brighton in the late afternoon—as planned.
It was already late September, the heat of the summer had passed, but the town was animated enough.
She remembered she had last been there ten years ago, with Jane and her uncle and aunt.
The smell of the breeze and salt water refreshed her senses and she listened to Jane and Bingley talking about shops and promenades and parties.
The cottage looked lovely, encircled by trees and flowers.
From the garden, there was easy access to the seashore.
The staff recognised both Cece and Mr. Hoskins and they were thrilled to welcome the new mistress and her family.
Rich refreshments were offered to the tired and hungry travellers.
Mrs. Dunn was a joyful lady in her early fifties, who had been managing the small estate for almost ten years.
The meeting was pleasant from the first moment, and probably the spectacular view of the sea contributed to Elizabeth’s high spirits.
“I hope your ladyship is pleased with the meat—since we are only six people most of the time, we do not keep a cook. I cook and Lynn and Joyce—the maids—help me.”
“The meat is excellently cooked, Mrs. Dunn, and so are these biscuits,” Elizabeth assured her, much to the housekeeper’s contentment.
“Allow me to tell you, Miss Cece, you have grown to be such a pretty lady!”
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunn. Is my old room still available?”
“Of course! Everything is arranged. I hope Lady Barrington will enjoy the view from the master suite.”
“All rooms have views of the sea, have they not?” Cece smiled.
“Err, yes of course. I hope Lady Barrington will enjoy her time with us,” Mrs. Dunn repeated.
“Mrs. Dunn, please rest assured that I have vastly enjoyed my time since I arrived,” Elizabeth put her at ease. “I am already planning to spend next summer here, with my family and friends.”
“Oh, what exciting news! We are looking forward to having you here. We have a total of six chambers, four for the family and two guests rooms, and...”
“Dear Mrs. Dunn, do not distress yourself already! Please sit and have tea with us. I trust we will find a way to spend a happy summer,” Elizabeth replied.
In the evening, Jane, Charles and Mary opted for a carriage ride into Brighton, to call on Colonel Forster and make their presence known. Cece chose to remain at home with Elizabeth, while Mr. Hoskins withdrew to his chamber early.
After a detailed tour of the house and more conversation with Mrs. Dunn, Elizabeth enjoyed a cup of tea, indulging herself in admiring the stunning sunset.
“Cece, would you like to go for a walk? On the shore?”
“Of course! I intended to suggest the same, but I feared you were too tired. Your effort in the last month has been extraordinary, Elizabeth.”
“Not by far,” Elizabeth answered as they left the house together. “If I look tired, it must be from these mourning clothes. I feel like a complete hypocrite wearing them. But since I chose to follow the rules, I must stick to them.”
“There are four more months of complete black,” Cece said.
“Yes; at least it will be useful in the cold weather,” Elizabeth jested.
Within minutes, the narrow path brought them out on the shore. Gentle waves were breaking on the beach and a soft breeze was blowing, while the sun continued slowly descending and the moon was already showing a timid face.
“Will we return to Hertfordshire tomorrow?” Cece asked as they walked along the water’s edge.
“No, not tomorrow. Now that we are here, I would like to stay at least two more days. I wrote to Papa earlier, to inform him we had arrived safely.”
“And shall we go to London?”
“To London? I am not certain. Since Papa can not travel yet, and I must follow my plans, I would like to stay at Longbourn for a fortnight, before we continue our journey. We only have two more properties to visit.”
“Surely you are aware that the manager of the second school must have heard the extensive changes you imposed at Old Oak School. By the time you arrive there, things might look impeccable, even if they had previously not been.”
“I expect that, Cece. But my purpose is for the boys to have the best treatment, not to punish someone. We will have to check the ledgers carefully and once there, will see what amendments are required.”
A wave crashed at their feet and Elizabeth jumped back. Cece laughed.
“This is so beautiful,” Elizabeth whispered, glancing around and breathing deeply. “We must find a way to bring the children here for at least a month every summer.”
Cece’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“All the children? There is no room for them!”
“Yes, all. The girls one month and the boys another. I know there is no room now, but perhaps we could construct another small building with three rooms, at the back of the cottage. I am sure that, for the sake of this beauty and the pleasure of sea bathing, the children would not complain about the sleeping arrangements. I remember myself as a child—when I loved a place so much, I would have gladly slept on the floor.”
“True,” Cece responded. “It is a generous but bold idea and a significant endeavour.”
“But it would be worth the effort, I am sure. I shall ask Mr. Darcy’s advice on the best way to accomplish it.”
The mere mention of his name made her shiver more than the soft breeze.
“Do you have any news about Mr. Darcy? When do you expect him?” Cece enquired after a brief pause.
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warming. “Only what we have all heard from Charles. What other news could I have? We hope to see him and Miss Darcy at Netherfield soon if his affairs will allow it.”
“A man like Mr. Darcy must be quite busy all the time. He seems very industrious in his duties. He is precisely what Lady Sedgewick hoped for in a son or a nephew. Sadly, her wish remained unfulfilled. Even worse, so many of her relatives betrayed her trust!”
“It is very sad indeed. And yes, I imagine anyone would wish for a son like Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth approved.
“Or a husband,” Cece replied. “It is no wonder so many women chase him, as Mr. Bingley says. However, I wonder how many of those women would meet Mr. Darcy’s expectations for a wife. None, I would say, since he is still single. Would you not agree?”
“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.”