Page 22 of The Governess of My Heart
He lay awake that night for a long time, unable to sleep. On the other side of town, Elizabeth did the same, repeating the same thing over and over again.
I am not a Bennet anymore.
Chapter 9
“No! Clara! It is not time to play yet,” Elizabeth said.
“But Miss Smith, I finished reading the book. You said I could after I finished reading it.”
“I said you can play once you finish reading and writing the words I asked you to,” Elizabeth said firmly.
Clara looked at her with disappointment.
“My dear, you can easily write these words. Remember, we practiced these yesterday, too. I am certain you will get them right. Maybe we can paint your favorite flower today after doing our lessons.”
“Really? Is that a promise?” The little girl asked with excitement.
“It is,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
Adam looked at her and smiled also.
“You always find a way to convince my sister, Miss Smith. She never listens to any of us.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Mother says we never get along. She says I need to be patient with her, but I cannot be patient when she does not obey me when we play.”
“Adam, there is no use in trying to make her obey you. You can make her understand what you want to do and play with you without arguing. A little give and take will go a long way.”
“I will try. I am happy that you are not like our previous governess. She punished me once for what Clara did,” Adam said and winced at the memory.
It was a month since she had joined the family as the governess, and the children liked her exceedingly.
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks were happy with Elizabeth.
On the other hand, Elizabeth found her position very satisfying. Though Clara had been a little difficult to handle in the initial days, her patience and kindness helped to get the spirited child into a routine.
The family wanted Elizabeth to take meals with them.
Elizabeth found the couple to be very kind and friendly. According to her, everything was going well.
She wrote to Charlotte and expressed that she was content with the employment. In the nights, she fought hard to keep her thoughts away from Longbourn. She had sent a letter to Mary about the developments in town. Charlotte ensured the letter reached Mary through her sister, Mariah Lucas.
Being around two active children helped Elizabeth escape the torment of the past. All seemed well, but whenever she was addressed as Miss Smith, she felt a pang of guilt and shame, and the questions about her birth tormented her.
I hope Uncle Gardiner returns soon.
She often thought.
April brought many social engagements in the house where she was employed. They hosted several parties at home, and Mrs. Brooks forced Elizabeth to attend them.
“You must, Miss Smith. You are practically our family now, and I would not want to keep you away from an entertaining evening. You have devoted so much time towards the children.”
Elizabeth refused politely.
“I thought we had established a bond over the past month. But I understand you feel differently. You would not decline unless you feel I am your employer and nothing else,” she said, feeling hurt.
“No! That is not true. I have expressed numerous times how comfortable and happy you have made me feel in your home.”
