Chapter 18 #3
“Cece, have no fear of speaking without reserve,” Elizabeth encouraged her. “I trust everyone in this room with my life. There is no restraint and no secrets between us.”
Still hesitant, the young woman continued, her voice unsettled and her lips trembling.
“Lord Barrington told me that your ladyship did not need me any longer. He forbade me from seeing you again, he said my company would be a disgrace for you. He demanded I leave the house immediately, so I did.”
“My dear Cece, your presence is much needed and even more desired. The moment I arrived in London, I sent you a note. When I received no reply, I went to see you and I heard of the cruel treatment you had suffered. Since you were not allowed to take any belongings, and you were completely without means, I feared for your fate...I feared the worst. Fortunately, I remembered what Lady Sedgewick had told me about your property…”
They were both in a perturbed state, overwhelmed by emotions.
“I was not without means. Her ladyship always warned me to be prepared. The documents for the property were secretly kept by her executor, together with an amount of money and a set of jewels. And I had some money sewn into the hem of my gown.”
The others listened with the greatest interest and curiosity, gasping in disbelief.
“A remarkable proof of wisdom and caution. I congratulate you,” Darcy interjected.
“I deserve no praise, sir. Lady Sedgewick taught me everything. She did not trust either Lord Barrington or Lady Augusta. She approved of Lady Barrington very much, but she often worried that she alone would not have the strength to succeed in this marriage. But she never imagined… If she knew… Dear Lord…”
Tears interfered and she was forced to cease her speech. Embarrassed, she apologised countless times, while the others tried to comfort her.
“Cece, your friendship is most valuable to me,” Elizabeth assured her. “Lord Barrington was a disgrace and his words, as much as they hurt you, must be dismissed and forgotten!”
Eventually, with much effort and even more apologies, the young woman regained her composure.
“I do not care about his words, Lady Barrington, but of what you had to suffer. I never imagined...”
“None of us did, Miss Cecilia,” Mr. Gardiner said gently. “We all feel guilty and blame ourselves for not confronting Lord Barrington earlier and…”
“Uncle, Cece, nobody should feel guilty for what they cannot change,” Elizabeth interjected decidedly.
“Lord Barrington was not worthy of all the tears and sorrow. I am begging you to end this turmoil now. Come, let us have a little bit of port—I recently discovered that it is excellent for relaxing. And I believe my appetite has just returned.”
Another moment of heavy silence followed, then Cece said, “Yes, a little port would be welcome. Lady Sedgewick was quite partial to it. And I believe my appetite has returned too.”
“Lady Sedgewick seemed to be an extraordinary lady,” Darcy said, filling the glasses of port for the three ladies. Slowly, the tension dissipated like mist in the sunshine.
“Did you ever meet her ladyship, sir?”
“No, Miss Cecilia. I did not have that pleasure. My aunt, Lady Matlock, was closely acquainted with her. I was familiar with her name and the charities under her patronage. And I have heard much of her from Lady Barrington.”
Cece’s face warmed with affection. “She was the most extraordinary lady. Having the privilege of knowing her was my good fortune and gaining her approval was my purpose.”
“I am sure she was very fond of you, too,” Mr. Gardiner said.
“I hope so, sir.”
“I know beyond a doubt,” Elizabeth answered. “She told me how much she loved Cece and how proud she was of her. She considered Cece her daughter.”
Cece wiped her eyes again and Mr. Gardiner’s voice sounded strangely cheerful.
“Let us have another drink for the Countess of Sedgewick! For better or for worse, she brought us all together.”
“For better or for worse depends only on us now. Only on us,” Elizabeth concluded.
“I am sure Lady Sedgewick would be happy to know you are the mistress, Lady Barrington. This is what she wished and prayed for, but never imagined that it would truly happen so soon.”
“Well, considering how Lord Barrington fell down the stairs and died from a mere tumble, one might wonder…” Bingley said, smiling over another glass of wine.
He was red-faced, obviously defeated by tiredness and by one too many drinks.
The others exchanged glances, some amused, some puzzled by such a statement, then emptied their glasses in honour of the countess.
It was midnight by the time dinner ended and everyone returned to their chambers. Another day—as long as a month—had passed, tumultuous but finally gratifying.
Outside, the storm continued, rain, wind, lightning and thunder shook the darkness. Despite the deafening noise, for the first time in more than three months, Elizabeth fell into a deep and restful sleep, safe from nightmares, memories and reflections.
Her last thought was that indeed Darcy had been right again: port could be very useful at certain times.