Page 110 of The Governess of My Heart
“Good morning.”
She left without further conversation, and Elizabeth walked toward the window, trying to understand why she was up so early. She looked outside and understood that Lady Isabella had looked at the same spot in the garden where she had seen someone. It was becoming evident that something sinister was happening in the house, and she wanted to head to Lady Martha immediately but knew she had nothing to support her doubts.
What am I to tell her? I saw someone in the garden one night; the next day, I saw Lady Isabella with a letter, and in Grovnor Park, I eavesdropped on her conversation with her mother.
Elizabeth could not imagine the reason behind her needing the money.
Is someone blackmailing her?
She felt guilty for keeping her concerns from Lady Martha, as she had not hidden anything from her, including her identity, and now she was in a dilemma as to what to do. When she had taken employment in Ashton Park, she thought she had left behind all her problems in Hertfordshire, but once she had fallen in love with Darcy, everything became more complicated. In recent weeks, she also felt concerned about Mary, as her letters had become scarce and short. Her words were restrained and expressed a sense of distress.
She hardly mentions anything about Mr. Bingley or her life there. Maybe something is wrong there.
The same morning, Lord Anderson discussed his concerns about Elizabeth with his sister.
“I cannot understand how you could be so careless about someone who lives with you in your household, Martha. From what I can see, she is not merely a governess here.”
“You are right; she is a member of the family, and all of us feel so. I cannot imagine what makes you think I am neglecting her.”
“As I mentioned, she was walking in one of the trails near the woods this morning; I am certain it was just half past six. How could you allow her? Don’t you care about her safety?”
“I do. But she needs her freedom as well.”
“What if something happens? It is too much of a risk to take.”
“I am well aware of the trails she walks in, and she does inform me when she plans to explore new trails. She occasionally walks to the mount as well. The servants are always aware when she is out for her walks or to the village; they will immediately inform me if she does not return on time. I assure you; it has not happened before.”
Lord Anderson was not convinced.
“May I ask why you care about her welfare? You never seem to interfere with anything I do,” her sister questioned him.
“And may I ask why you treat her like family?”
Lady Martha was silent.
“Honesty, Mark, I do not know. You may have known her only for a couple of weeks, but I have known her for months; she has remarkable qualities for such a young age. I felt a close connection with her when she first set foot in Ashton Park.”
“Does she truly have no one except her aunt?”
Lady Martha hesitated; she had not revealed Elizabeth’s secret to anyone and did not want to discuss it with her brother.
“Yes! This is her home now, and if you think I do not care about her safety, you are wrong.”
Lord Anderson nodded, and he could see Elizabeth’s presence in the house had impacted everyone in many positive ways. Every year, he visited her sister’s house for a couple of weeks, and Ashton Park offered him a welcome change from his life in Scotland. They were to leave in a few weeks, and somehow, he felt sad to return to his routine life and business.
As the harvest ball was fast approaching, Georgiana visited Ashton Park on alternative days and was busy preparing for the ball. All the guests were to stay in Pemberley after the ball, and the children were excited to be part of it. Elizabeth had not visited Pemberley for a long time and was least interested in the ball.
***
Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, Darcy was prepared to leave for town, and Mr. Bingley seemed to be at ease with estate management; however, he was not happy about his friend leaving.
“Will you be leaving for Pemberley soon?” he asked Darcy.
“I am not certain, but I need to return. Georgiana has been pressing me to come for the ball.”
“Then you must go; I am guilty of keeping you here for my sake,” Mr. Bingley said. “But I will miss your company.”
Mr. Bingley was not the same person who came to Hertfordshire with excitement, eager to spend time in the company of pretty girls. Jane had taught him a lesson for life, and even after the assembly, when they met socially, she avoided him and preferred to be around Darcy. Darcy was also aware of this and was thankful that his friend finally understood the world.
