Page 109 of The Governess of My Heart
“I do not know why he chose not to come. I have never had the responsibility of organizing anything so grand. Even though Mrs. Reynolds is in charge of everything, I feel nervous abouthosting the evening without my brother, and all the tenants will be there.”
“I understand. Do not worry; everything will be well,” she said, torn with guilt for putting the young girl in such a situation. She was certain the sole reason for his absence was her words, as she had accused him of ruining her livelihood as a governess.
That night, Elizabeth had a disturbed sleep and woke up around half past three, hearing a noise. She thought she heard the sound of something falling.
She quietly opened the door and peeped outside but could not see anyone in the corridor. Her room was on the opposite side of the family wing but closer to the servant’s staircase. Again, she heard a noise in that direction, and Elizabeth took the candle and walked to the stairs. She looked down the stairs and could see someone disappear from the bottom floor.
Who is running around at this hour?
She contemplated going to the lower floor but returned to her room, not hearing anything else.
The next day, she was confused by the previous night’s strange happenings. Lady Isabella was absent during breakfast, and Elizabeth sensed Lord Ashton was out of spirits since they had returned from Grovnor Park.
She often noticed Lord Anderson’s eyes on her. Initially, she assumed it was a look of scrutiny, but later realized he observed her with a look of curiosity.
Elizabeth also found him to be in stark contrast to his daughter and wife. His words had no pride or superiority attributing to his status or rank; though reserved, he seemed kind. One morning, Lord Anderson found her walking on one of the nearby trails; he was on his morning ride.
Elizabeth spotted his approach and stopped. He dismounted his horse and stood staring at her.
“Good morning, sir,” she said, finding his behavior unsettling.
“Do you wander around alone like this often?” he asked with displeasure.
“If you would want to name my morning walks, wandering around, then I must agree with you; I do wander around alone very often.”
“I cannot believe Martha allows you to leave the house without a footman. Don’t you think it can be dangerous?”
“I have been wandering around dangerously for many months now; I must assure you nothing untoward has happened,” she said teasingly. He was walking with her, and she was shocked when he stopped her by holding her arm.
“Miss Smith, I do not like your sarcasm. Do I need to elaborate on the dangers young women may face while venturing outside on these trails alone? Are you not sensible?”
Elizabeth stared at him, unable to reply, and his grip was firm, and he seemed angry. Lord Anderson stared into her eyes without a word, and suddenly, she noticed his expression soften, and he released her of his grip.
“I apologize; I did not mean to...” he stammered.
Elizabeth stepped away from him, uncomfortable with the situation.
“I have a daughter similar to your age, and I would not be comfortable sending her out of the house without a footman. I feel the same way about your welfare.”
“Enough, sir. You need not be concerned about my welfare. I am not related to you; I am just an employee of Ashton Park. You may deem my behavior inappropriate, but please understand that my employer, Lady Martha, is aware of this and has no concerns. If you have a problem, please discuss it with your sister,” she cried, and she left him in a hurry.
Lord Anderson watched her hurry away from him and stood in silence.
As much as everything she had said made sense, he could not stop caring about her well-being and could not fathom why.
Chapter 34
Elizabeth stomped home in anger and was in the same temperament as the day she had met Darcy for the first time.
Lord Anderson is no different from the others. How dare he speak to me like this? I am not his servant. Who is he to worry about my safety?
Her source of anger was due to his comparison of his daughter to herself. She was furious with him for even thinking in that direction.
Who is he to care for me like a father? Just because I do not have one, he cannot take the liberty to question me or my actions.
She reached home and hurried upstairs.To her surprise, she found Lady Isabella standing beside one of the windows. It was still early, and she was startled once she saw Elizabeth.
“Good morning, Lady Isabella,” Elizabeth said.
