Page 17 of The Governess of My Heart
“You are too kind, and I am indebted to you forever. But I do not want to burden you as I need your help in finding employment. I want to work as a governess.”
“Good God! Lizzy! Did you think I would allow you to leave my house under these circumstances? If you worry about what my husband might say, then I can speak for him. He will mirror my thoughts; your safety and welfare are our priorities.”
“I cannot stay here; please understand. I cannot be a burden to you.”
“You will never be a burden to me. You must stay with us.”
“But I need to find my living. I want to employ myself somewhere and divert my mind from this misery.”
Charlotte looked at her in dismay.
“I must wait for my uncle and aunt to return. They must know the truth. Charlotte, can you please help me find employment?”
“If that is what you wish, I will. But promise me that you will wait until we find a decent household for you to stay with.”
“I am lucky to have you, and I do not know what would have become of me if you were not here.”
Charlotte’s husband was a wealthy merchant. He returned by evening, and Elizabeth was apprehensive about meeting him.
What must they think of me? Running away from home and asking them for such assistance.
However, just like Charlotte, her husband, Mr. Davis, was very welcoming towards Elizabeth.
When he learned of the particulars, he was angry with the Bennets. He assured Elizabeth of all future assistance and protection that she would need.
“There has not been a single day in which Charlotte has not mentioned your friendship, Miss Elizabeth. We will be happy to assist you in every way. Do not worry about anything, as no one can harm you here. I am glad you thought of us in such a time of distress. It speaks volumes about your friendship,” he said, looking at his wife, and Charlotte was proud of him.
And now, Elizabeth relived the happenings of the day in bed.
This was the first night she had spent away from Longbourn in all the years of her life.
She wondered what was happening there and was afraid that her father might come looking for her. Finally, she went to sleep, hoping against hope that she had made the right decision.
***
The next morning, Longbourn was chaotic. Lady Lucas and Sir William arrived, hearing about Elizabeth’s disappearance, and Mrs. Bennet did not make an effort to be civil.
“My dear Mrs. Bennet, what a dreadful affair? I cannot believe she has been missing since yesterday. You should have called for our assistance.”
“Whatever is needed is being done, and we do not need any help at the moment.”
“But where could she be? Do none of her sisters know anything?” Sir William asked with genuine concern.
“No, we don’t,” Jane replied without care.
“Could this be an abduction?” Sir William asked.
No one replied, and Mr. Bennet knew that whatever had happened to Elizabeth was because of them. They were responsible for her decision.
Some other neighbors came to visit the Bennets and slowly, Mrs. Bennet understood that Elizabeth’s disappearance would bring shame to their family and did not know what to do.
Mr. Collins was enraged by the developments and wanted to settle the matter once and for all. He entered the library to find Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in a worried state.
“Do not mistake me to have come here to console you. I cannot fathom what has happened to her, and the truth is, I do not care now. I should have never pursued such a characterless woman like her. My sole purpose for this visit was to marry one of your daughters, and you must be grateful that I still intend to. My patroness would be enraged beyond measure if I were to return without a bride. Mrs. Bennet, you lied by saying that your eldest daughter is to be engaged. As far as I can see, no one is courting her. So, I will marry her and leave,” he said with a look of resolve.
Mrs. Bennet stared at him wide-eyed in shock.
“That is not possible. We promised you Elizabeth, not Jane.”
