Page 14 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth walked as quickly as she could and did not see any familiar faces on the way. Once she sat in the coach, she hoped no one would recognize her. There was another woman seated opposite her, oblivious to her identity. She sat in agony, unable to believe what she had done to save herself from ruin and the evil schemes of the very people who raised her. As the coach started, she said a silent“goodbye”to everything she had known and loved in her life.
Chapter 7
Mary sat by the window in her room, watching her sister’s slender figure disappear.
Oh! Lizzy! What have I done? When will I ever see you again?
Mary thought with guilt. All the memories of the time spent with her sister in Longbourn flashed through her mind as they had shared similar interests in books and music. She always looked up to Elizabeth and found her sister’s company as the sole comfort in a house filled with gossip about the neighborhood families and eligible bachelors.
What am I to do now?
She wondered and knew that her sister had to face worse battles in life.
I hope you find a safe future in town, Lizzy.
She prayed for her sister and hoped she would be safe with Charlotte. The household woke up one by one, and Mrs. Bennet noticed that Elizabeth was absent for breakfast.
“Where is she? Mary, where is the insolent girl?” Mrs. Bennet asked with irritation.
“I do not know, Mamma. I have not seen Lizzy.”
“I know where she is. She would be roaming in that mount, and that is what she does, Mr. Collins. Oh! My poor nerves.”
“Do not worry, madam. I can be of service in correcting her attitude and habits after marriage.”
“I am sure you will. You are too kind, sir,” she said. They exchanged glances, and from the look on Mr. Collins’ face, Mary knew her mother had already conveyed the plan. She was disgusted beyond measure.
You will never accomplish your cruel plans, Mamma. Never!
After breakfast, the entire family was seated in the drawing room, and Mrs. Bennet impatiently looked for Elizabeth’s arrival.
“I will be in my room. Please send a word when I have to…I mean, when I am needed,” Mr. Collins said to Mrs. Bennet, and she smiled.
Mary fumed within.
How could she do this to Lizzy?
An hour passed, and Jane got up to leave.
“Where are you going?” her mother asked.
“I am tired. I would like to rest in my room.”
“No, you will not. I mean, you are needed here.”
“What for Mamma?”
“Just do as I say.”
“Mary, wait in the garden. When Elizabeth returns, ask her to go to her room and wait. She is not to come down today. Do you understand? Papa and I are upset with her. Let me know when she is in her room,” her mother cried. Mary got up and left outside without a word.
I will have to feign ignorance. The longer it takes them to understand her disappearance, the better.
She left for the gardens and knew her sister would have reached town. She walked in the gardens in vain, not knowing how her parents would react when they discovered Elizabeth was missing.
After about half an hour, one of the servants came out in search of her.
“Miss Mary, your mother has called for you.”
