Page 162 of The Governess of My Heart
“I want to know what she wants from you; she seems to have an art of trapping wealthy men. I can see how easily she did that with Mr. Darcy; now, what does she want from you? Is sheasking you for money or something else? Clearly, she cannot leave wealthy men alone,” Miss Anderson cried with rage.
“That is enough!” Lord Anderson cried without control.
“You seem to have taken after your mother is using language as vulgar as this. It is my fault for keeping the truth away from you, as requested by your mother. But I can no longer let you slander her like this.”
“No, Mark, stop, do not say a word,” his wife warned.
“Do not say what Mamma?”
“Elizabeth is my daughter. She was born to me and Sarah Gardiner. I was married to Sarah before I married your mother, so legally, she is my daughter and has every right with me.”
Miss Anderson froze upon hearing her father’s words.
“What are you saying? This is falsehood; this cannot be true. She is a servant here. How could she be your daughter?”
She looked at Elizabeth with spite.
“I have had enough of your schemes. First, you trapped Mr. Darcy, and now my father is lying to protect you, or God knows what. This is my aunt’s house, and I will no longer have you live here. Mamma, ask my aunt to throw her out. I do not know why Papa is lying like this.”
Unfortunately, her mother could not find any excuse to deny the truth.
“Mamma, say something. Why are you silent?”
“Because what I said is the truth. Elizabeth is my daughter; everyone else in this household knows this except you. I warn you again, Beatrice, you will not say anything disrespectful to her,” Lord Anderson cried.
To Elizabeth’s horror, Miss Anderson collapsed to the floor crying, and her mother was immediately beside her, trying to console her. Elizabeth turned and looked at Lord Anderson with a piercing gaze, and he met her eyes with remorse. She could not bear to stay in the room any longer and ran up to her room.
Somehow, she was not angry with Miss Anderson but pitied her. Elizabeth wanted to tell her that the last thing she wanted in life was to claim the position as Lord Anderson’s daughter and ease her pain, but she was certain that both mother and daughter would never believe her words. Elizabeth never wanted anything more in life after she had found Darcy’s love, but now, she wanted to solve the mystery about her mother and bid goodbye to Lord Anderson forever. The very fact that he wanted Elizabeth to trust him enraged her beyond measure.
Whatever happens in London, no one can change my impression of him. I hope I will never have to see him in the future. He constantly reminds me of my past and my mother’s suffering.
***
In Pemberley, Darcy stood in his study and looked outside the window, gazing at the lake. All the plans for their travel were finalized, and he had already informed Richard about his arrival. Richard was already working on Darcy’s request to learn more about the Gardiners and their past. However, he had written to him without any news regarding Mrs. Lewis. Darcy hoped that when in London, he could solve the matter faster. He was impatient to confront the Bennets and make them pay for what they had done to Elizabeth.
On the day of travel, Lady Martha spoke with Elizabeth in privacy.
“Elizabeth, I dearly wish I could accompany you on this journey. But you know very well that my prayers are with you, and it lightens my heart to think that you have people to protect you. I fully trust Fitzwilliam regarding your welfare and hope you find the answers you seek. I cannot imagine how the children will cope with your absence, but do not worry; I will do my best for them.”
“I cannot tell you how difficult it is to leave Ashton Park; I did not feel such sadness even when I left Longbourn. You have given me everything, Lady Martha, and if I have found the love of my life, it is because of you. I cannot thank you enough.”
“You deserve the best, my dear, and I am so proud to call you my niece,” she said, wishing Elizabeth would accept her as her aunt.
“I feel guilty for leaving the children, but Fitzwilliam assured me we could return as soon as possible. He is impatient to…” she stopped.
“Get married?” Lady Martha asked with a smile.
“Yes!”
“Well, he is not alone; we are also looking forward to your marriage. I am so glad you will settle in Pemberley, as I cannot imagine parting from you again. I understand your sentiments regarding my brother and why you cannot forgive him. But I can see he repents his actions and wants to declare you his daughter rightfully.”
Elizabeth looked shocked.
“He had this discussion with me and Fitzwilliam as well.”
“I do not want it. I would rather stay as Miss Smith and get married than be called Miss Anderson for the sake of society. It would be a grave injustice to my mother if I accept this.”
“I understand, my dear. Please do not misinterpret my intentions, nor does Fitzwilliam want you to accept this for society. But if something changes in the future, I want you to know that this is my brother’s intention. He also wants to be present for your wedding.”
