Page 25 of The Governess of My Heart
“What are you saying? Please allow me to leave,” she said and tried to leave but he blocked her way.
“Do you think I would allow you to leave, my darling? I think I can use this opportunity to teach a beautiful governess like you many things you are unaware of,” he said, licking his lips.
Elizabeth realized that her worst fear had come true. She knew she could yell for help, but it would be too late.
“I warn you to step back. You will have to hang your head in shame in front of your relations if I call them now.”
“Oh! Really? Why don’t you try? I have dreamt about having you since I set my eyes on you. You are not meant to be a governess but meant to be my mistress. Come here,” he said and grabbed her hand forcefully and pulled her towards him for a kiss.
Elizabeth reacted quickly, reached for the candle on the nearby table, and shoved it into his face.
He cried out of pain and let go of her. She did not wait to see what had happened to him, but ran out of the library and rushed upstairs. She found Mrs. Brooks in the parlor.
“Good God! What happened?” she asked in horror, seeing Elizabeth as she was trembling.
Elizabeth told her everything and conveyed the horrific details of what happened in the library.
“He tried to compromise me,” she cried in dismay.
She saw the face of her employer turn red with anger.
“You said what?” Mrs. Brooks asked with disbelief.
Elizabeth stared at her, dumbstruck.
She does not believe me.
“I told you every gruesome detail. He has been talking to me with some hidden agenda since we met, and today, he attempted to ruin me.”
“Stop it! You are talking about an honorable man. I will not let you ruin his reputation.”
“His reputation? He tried to ruin mine.”
“You are lying, and I never knew you could do such a thing.”
“Mrs. Brooks, why should I lie? What am I to get out of this?”
“I do not know, and I do not know why you would say such a thing,” she cried and left downstairs.
Elizabeth did not have the strength to follow her.
She went to her room, locked the door, and sat devastated. She was angry with herself for trusting the people around her.
Why didn’t she believe me? Just because I am a governess?
I think Mr. Brooks will believe me; she is blinded by affection for her cousin.
She washed her face and headed downstairs. The servant directed her to the study.
She entered to find both husband and wife waiting for her. From the look on their faces, Elizabeth instantly knew that Mr. Dean was considered innocent.
“How dare you harm him? Are you insane?” Mrs. Brooks asked.
“I had to do it to save myself.”
“Enough! You are lying.”
“I am not. What am I to get out of it?”
