Page 141 of The Governess of My Heart
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Lady Martha stood outside Georgiana’s door, unable to face Elizabeth, but she had no intention of retiring for the night without seeing her.
She knocked, and Georgiana opened the door, anticipating seeing her brother. She was surprised to see Lady Martha.
“Is she awake?” Lady Martha asked.
Georgiana nodded and took her inside.
The moment Elizabeth saw her, she stood, surprised by her visit. She had sat with Georgiana discussing the horrific revelation about her past and did not expect to see anyone that night.
Lady Martha was devastated to see Elizabeth’s tears.
“Elizabeth! I am so sorry about everything,” she cried. She slowly walked towards her and held her hand.
“I cannot bear to look at you like this. Please trust me; I did not spare my brother for whatever he has done in the past.”
“Lady Martha I…”
“No, you cannot call me that anymore; I am your aunt,” she said with tears.
Elizabeth hugged her and began to sob, and Georgiana felt emotional seeing their affection for each other. She tried to console Elizabeth and assured her that everything would be all right.
“Didn’t you know anything about this?” Elizabeth asked.
“No, you must trust me; I did not. I was married and settled in Derbyshire then. I visited our estate in Scotland during my mother’s death, and I understood that he did not want to marry Augusta as he was in love with someone else. I am ashamed to state this, but my parents, especially my father, favored moving only with people of their standard and wealth. Both my brothers did not share similar sentiments. I left soon after my mother’s funeral and, maybe a year later, went to attend Mark’s marriage with Augusta. I knew he was not happy to marry her, but Francis informed me that he was no longer in love with the woman he favored before and hence had agreed to this marriage.”
“Do you believe his statement about my mother demanding money?”
“I do not know what to say. He states he has those letters right now in his safe in Ashton Park.”
“I do not believe it, and in my heart, I know she could never do that. She died without revealing his identity to save his reputation; how could he state the opposite? I cannot understand how he could accuse her of marrying someone else for money.”
“Fitzwilliam is currently with them, trying to understand his story.”
“I do not know what to make of his so-called story. If he had gone to London to see her, she might be alive today; I would have had a mother. I asked Fitzwilliam to help me findout the truth a week ago, but I never imagined it would be as nightmarish as this.”
“I will not allow you to suffer, Elizabeth. I told him that if he does not acknowledge you publicly as his daughter, I will make sure the world knows.”
“You think that is what I want? To be recognized as Lord Anderson’s daughter?” Elizabeth asked angrily.
“I want to be only known as Sarah Gardiner’s daughter and do not want to be associated with him in any way.”
“But the truth is you are his daughter, and he does not deny it.”
Lady Martha explained Lord Anderson’s story about how he married Elizabeth’s mother and what forced him to send money and cut ties with her.
“I know you do not believe his words; nothing in his story adds up to the truth. Please do not think I am taking his side, Elizabeth, but there is something more to this. I am not aware who played a part in separating them or if it was pure fate, and I think Fitzwilliam feels the same way.”
Elizabeth was not convinced and shook her head in dismay. It was almost two past midnight and that everyone was tired beyond measure.
“You must rest, my dear. Will you come to Ashton Park tomorrow as planned?” Lady Martha asked.
“Honestly, I do not know what to do now. I cannot be around him, and you must understand how I feel,” Elizabeth said with utmost confusion.
“I do, but I am your family now and come what may, I will stand by you as I always have. Please return to Ashton Park with us tomorrow.”
Elizabeth knew it would be inappropriate to stay in Pemberley after her engagement and was hesitant to decide, so Lady Martha did not press her to discuss anything more.
