Chapter 30 #2
Her voice betrayed her anger and fear at the same time.
Her gaze locked with his, ignoring the presence of the others; she confessed in whispers, biting her lips.
“I fear they have found some scheme to deny me my inheritance. I believe them capable of anything. I could not care less about the money, but I have made promises to the children and many other people. They are all depending on me. If something happens and I cannot keep my promise, what will happen to them all?”
Oblivious to the impropriety of his gesture, Darcy took her hands in his. She did not oppose it.
“It is impossible,” he spoke firmly. “We have all studied the documents carefully. The only option would be to take the case to court, which I doubt they would do. Even then, they cannot possibly win. The situation is actually quite clear, I assure you.”
She nodded, silently.
“But regardless of what happens, you will keep your promise. I promise you that,” he said.
Her hands were in his and she slowly withdrew them. Minutes before the highly stressful meeting, with her family in the room, pretending they were not watching, Elizabeth caressed his face with hesitant fingers. He frowned, stopped breathing and his heart skipped a beat.
“Lizzy, the trustees have arrived,” Mr. Gardiner called her. She startled and hurried to join the others, followed by Darcy, who immediately sat next to Mr. Gardiner, as agreed.
The trustees—Mr. Reeves and Mr. Thorn—as well as Mr. Hoskins—the solicitor—entered. Elizabeth invited them to sit at the head of the table. She did not miss their disapproving expression when they saw Cece, but no comments were made.
“Would you like any drinks, gentlemen?”
“Only water, thank you. When are the other parties arriving, Lady Barrington?”
“Soon, I assume. We will not wait for more than a quarter of an hour.”
At the established time, Lady Augusta and her solicitor, Mr. Wood, together with Lambert and St. Claire, were introduced. Elizabeth invited them to sit at the opposite side of the table. No greetings or niceties were exchanged.
They glanced around the table and immediately observed Cece. Lady Augusta’s face coloured and she said spitefully, averting her eyes, “You! I heard you had returned to town! Why are you in the same room as me?”
“Good day, Lady Augusta. Lady Barrington invited me to attend this meeting and I have gladly accepted,” Cece replied, perfectly composed.
The lady ignored her and turned to Elizabeth.
“Why is this person here? Her presence is disgraceful and appalling! She must leave now!”
“Are you referring to my friend, Miss Cecilia? She is here to support me, of course. I am counting on her advice in any business decision.”
“Excuse me??? Her advice? She is nothing! Nothing! Have you lost your mind? Not even Henrietta forced us to bear such an offence! I will not share the table with a black servant!”
“Lady Augusta, have you just insulted me and my friend?” Elizabeth asked, her eyebrow raised in challenge. “Let us be clear! I have no wish and no time for this meeting! You have requested it and I accepted. You have your companions, I have mine. Whoever is displeased, may leave at any time.”
“Let us not argue,” St. Claire interjected. “However, it shows abominable disrespect to treat Lady Augusta in such a way. Especially considering she has been deprived of both her son and her fortune.”
“No disrespect was meant. But I shall not change my habits in my own house,” Elizabeth declared.
“It is not your house! This was Henrietta’s scheme! If my brother was alive, he would have given me this house!”
“That is not accurate, Lady Augusta,” Mr. Reeves intervened. The house belonged to Lady Sedgewick’s family. And Lord Sedgewick’s will empowered his wife to make any decisions on their properties, except for the extinct earldom.”
“I did not ask you anything, sir!” the lady rebuked him coarsely, to the gentleman’s stupefaction.
“I believe this meeting has begun most unhappily,” Mr. Thorn interjected. “Lady Augusta, what is the purpose of this encounter?”
The lady hesitated briefly, attempted to look at the two men next to her, then she spoke solemnly.
“While looking through my beloved son’s papers, I discovered a note, in his handwriting, that stated that he has a debt of honour of ten thousand pounds to Mr. Lambert and one of fifteen thousand pounds to Mr. St. Claire.
Since I have no means to pay these debts, due to the evil plans that left me practically a beggar, I must sell the Barrington townhouse, in the memory of my son! ”
Elizabeth could not help rolling her eyes in a most uncivil manner. Her worries vanished instantly in the face of such a ridiculous claim.
“Would your ladyship show us the note?” Mr. Reeves asked. “Although I am puzzled as to why our presence was requested. Barrington House is not part of the Sedgewick trust. Based on the settlement signed between spouses, Lady Barrington and her solicitor should decide upon such a request.”
The gazes turned to Elizabeth, and she repeated, “Would your ladyship show us the note?”
“I do not have it! Unfortunately, it was ruined by mistake. But my word is just as good,” Lady Augusta declared condescendingly.
“It seems we have returned to the same conversation from two months ago. Before debating further, there is another matter that needs clarification. It was brought to my attention that several other Barrington properties have been sold and the capital is nowhere to be found in the papers. Do you have any knowledge of this?”
“You are forbidden to ask that! Those affairs occurred before your marriage,” Lady Augusta shouted.