Chapter 19 #2
The meeting ended, just before their emotions threatened to overwhelm them.
Each returned to his or her own business, with fewer worries and more hope.
With a gripping pain in her chest, Elizabeth prayed that her assurance had dissipated the anxiety of those accustomed to fear.
It was another small step towards erasing the memory of Lord Barrington.
Lady Sedgewick’s house provided them with the shelter they all needed.
Before dinner, Cece took Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley on a tour of the house.
Although she had visited it several times in the past, most of the house was unknown to Elizabeth.
The more she saw, the more she was impressed and burdened by responsibilities.
The house itself was the legacy of a long line of Lady Sedgewick’s family, but now there was no direct descendant to take it further.
She felt compelled to at least honour their memory and fulfil her ladyship’s expectations and trust in her.
“This house is spectacular,” Bingley said. “I believe it is larger than both Darcy’s and the Matlocks’.”
“It is large indeed, but I do not remember ever seeing more than a few guest rooms used,” Cece said.
“The Sedgewicks were private people, I assume?” Bingley enquired.
“Not quite. They used to accept invitations to balls and dinners often enough and even hosted parties regularly. But nobody actually lived with them. Then, after the earl passed away, her ladyship’s health weakened rather quickly.
She took a long tour of all her properties—including the schools—three years ago. After that, she barely left the house.”
In the gallery, they admired the numerous portraits, while Cece offered them details about each painting. Lord and Lady Sedgewick smiled at them from a striking one, placed in the middle of the collection.
Elizabeth gently brushed her fingers over it.
“This is the ring her ladyship gave to me. The one that was stolen from me. God knows where it could be and what dishonourable debts it has paid,” she whispered. “I will never be able to compensate for such a loss.”
“Lizzy, you cannot blame yourself. What could you have done to prevent such a horrible act?”
“Not much, Jane. And I know it was not my fault, but I do blame myself. The significance of the ring was beyond its monetary value.”
“Mrs. Bingley is right, Lady Barrington. As important as the loss is, I know Lady Sedgewick would not wish you to torment yourself even more.”
“Cece?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Please call me Elizabeth.”
The young woman stared at her in disbelief. “I cannot address your ladyship so informally.”
“And why not? I call you by your given name.”
“That is not the same, your ladyship.”
“Of course it is. But I shall not insist if it makes you uneasy. Just please consider that I dread the name ‘Barrington’.”
“I shall try if it is your ladyship’s desire. Now I would suggest returning downstairs—dinner must be ready.”
“Yes, it is enough for one day. I still have so much to learn and so much to ask you, but tomorrow is another day.”
As they walked together, Cece spoke again, with apparent uneasiness.
“What is your ladyship’s expectation regarding the dinner arrangements?”
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked, genuinely puzzled.
“I may eat in my room,” Cece continued.
“In your room? Will you not dine with us?”
“This is why I enquired...Since your ladyship wishes to keep me as your companion, it would help me to know if we will maintain Lady Sedgewick’s rules.”
Elizabeth frowned and interrupted her hastily.
“Cece, I spoke with Lady Sedgewick briefly about her affection and admiration for you, as well as about your peculiar situation, which I know she dreaded. She believed that you deserved only the best. But perhaps she had not enough strength and time left to settle things properly. Since now it depends solely on us, I would like your position in the house to change completely.”
There, in the doorframe, with Bingley and Jane at a polite distance, the conversation seemed awkward, both because of its gravity and the improper moment.
“As you wish, madam,” the answer came politely.
“Cece, I wish you to always join us at breakfast, dinner, or on any other occasion, except when you prefer to do otherwise. Regardless of whether we are alone, amongst family, or entertaining guests. I do not wish you to be my companion, but my friend, my helper and my adviser. Lady Sedgewick told me that you possess excellent knowledge and skills in business. I would be grateful if you would share them with me. I wish your input to be recognised and appreciated accordingly.”
Elizabeth smiled at her companion, who stared at her with the deepest astonishment.
“I most certainly do not intend to force you into any unpleasant circumstances. You will, of course, act in a manner that makes you comfortable and choose whose company and which situations you accept or avoid. I have told you what my desire is, the decision belongs to you.”
Cece returned a tearful glance. “Thank you! Surely your ladyship knows that you have my unconditional support and heartfelt friendship.”
“I am glad to hear that, dear Cece. Now let us eat—it is already late.”
“Indeed—I believe the events of the last few days have increased my appetite!” Bingley declared.
“One can hardly believe that life could change so utterly in such a short time.
Caroline and Louisa were stunned—they kept asking me how it was possible that we were moving into the Countess of Sedgewick's house!”
“I imagine they were,” Elizabeth replied, with a brief look at Jane. “I cannot thank you enough for accepting my invitation.”