Page 35 of The Governess of My Heart
“Honestly, I did not expect him to get married so soon as he loved Sophia dearly,” Lady Martha said with feeling.
Elizabeth could sense that she disapproved of the match.
“It was a sudden decision, and Philip felt the marriage would also help the children. But to what extent this marriage benefits them, we must see,” she said with doubt.
The couple was on their honeymoon, and Elizabeth eagerly anticipated their return. She wondered if it would impact her in any way.
In a week, the children warmed up to her. As much as she wanted to shower them with love and affection, she also wanted to do justice to her role as their governess.
The children had a nanny, Mrs. Davidson; she was pleased with Elizabeth.
“Miss Smith, I am so glad you have taken this position. The children are comfortable with you,” she said one day.
“I am happy to be here too,” she replied.
“I have been with them since their birth and still cannot digest the death of their mother. Lady Sophia was a wonderful mother.”
“How did it happen?” Elizabeth asked out of curiosity.
“None of us know. It happened the next day after a ball. Servants found her lying near the stairs in the early hours. Her head had a deep wound, and she was dead when we found her. Nobody knew how she fell. I still cannot forget what the family went through then.”
“It is so unfortunate. Edmund told me he wanted to travel with his father.”
“Oh yes! I have tried my best to explain it to them. How do you explain to a five-year-old that his father is on a honeymoon, and he cannot accompany him?”
Elizabeth sighed and could not stop forming an ill opinion about Lord Ashton even before she met him.
Why did he have to remarry so soon? If it is for his children, why leave for so many weeks to enjoy a honeymoon? I wonder how his new wife is.
She found Lady Martha to be an excellent mistress. The household ran systematically, and the staff and servants were all happy and proud to serve there. Elizabeth had a well-furnished room and the assistance of a young maid.
She had the freedom to explore the nearby trails and was grateful for it.
One morning, she sat with Lady Martha in the breakfast parlor when a servant brought a letter.
“Oh! This is indeed a surprise.” Lady Martha exclaimed after reading it.
“Miss Smith, do you remember I mentioned the Darcys?”
“Oh yes! You mentioned Pemberley.”
“I told you Mr. Darcy and his sister were away. But he writes to me now, stating his sister is back in Derbyshire. She is such a sweet child and I think she will enjoy your company. I must introduce you both. We have many friends here, but Georgiana and Fitzwilliam are like my children. I was very close to their mother.”
Elizabeth listened keenly to Lady Martha. She understood that the children were also fond of Mr. Darcy, as they often mentioned him during the lessons. As soon as she read the letter, Lady Martha left for Pemberley to visit Georgiana.
Darcy sent Georgiana back to Pemberley and left for town. After the unfortunate incident, the siblings had hardly spoken to each other in Ramsgate.
Fitzwilliam hates me.Georgiana thought on her way back to Derbyshire
I let that scoundrel harm my innocent sister. I have failed her.
Darcythought when he reached town. He had written to Richard about the events in Ramsgate and awaited the conversation he was to have with his cousin about Wickham with distress.
He wanted Wickham arrested, but he knew he could not do that unless he exposed his connection with Georgiana.
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When Lady Martha reached Pemberley, she was troubled to see a forlorn Georgiana.
