Page 67 of The Governess of My Heart
“It seems a long walk from the village. I do not know where, but I recognize you from somewhere.”
“I am not from the village, sir. Good day to you,” she said, walking back towards Ashton Park.
She reached the house and readied herself for the day. Elizabeth was happy to continue lessons with the children. She entered the breakfast parlor and was surprised to see Lady Martha there.
She held Elizabeth’s hand and greeted her.
“I am glad you are well, my dear. The children have been most anxious without your company. Are you certain you feel well?” she asked.
“I am well, madam. I went for a short walk and feel a lot better.”
Just then, someone entered the parlor, and Elizabeth was surprised to identify him as the same rider she had encountered that morning.
“Well! Well! We meet again,” he exclaimed upon seeing Elizabeth.
Lady Martha was confused.
“Miss Smith, allow me to introduce you to my brother, Mr. Francis Anderson.” Lady Martha continued, “This is Miss Smith. You may not need a further introduction. She is the wonderful governess I have written to you about in the past month.”
Oh! He is her brother.
Elizabeth curtsied.
“It is good to meet you, sir,” she said.
“It is good to meet you again, Miss Smith.”
He quickly explained that they had met earlier that morning on the trail, and the rest of the family joined them for breakfast. Lady Martha explained to Elizabeth that her brother’s visit surprised her.
“I thought he would not be here till Christmas, and I am glad he came.”
“Will his family join us? I understand he has a daughter. You mentioned your niece many times.”
“Oh! That is my eldest brother, Mark, and he has a daughter. Francis is the second in the family; I am the youngest. Francis is not married, and I don’t know why, but he never did. He lives in Scotland as well.”
Mr. Anderson had a happy demeanor, and she wondered why he did not marry.
He was to stay for some weeks, and Lady Martha seemed to be very happy about the arrival of her brother.
The next day, the Darcys were invited to dine with them, and Elizabeth tried to compose herself and wanted to be unaffected when she saw Darcy.
However, Elizabeth was happy to see Georgiana and was touched by the young girl’s affection and regard for her well-being. The men were to join them after their outdoor engagements.
Lady Isabella said very little, and Elizabeth noticed that she looked less confident than before in the company of her mother-in-law.
She was always restless and often lost track of the conversation.
“Did you not hear what I just said?” Lady Martha asked in one such situation.
“Forgive me; I seem to have missed it,” Lady Isabella replied.
“I asked if you were planning on attending the supper party at Mrs. Hamptons this weekend.”
“Yes, of course."
“Very well then. Miss Smith, Mrs. Hampton has invited you to the party, and you must accompany us.”
Elizabeth was hesitant, even though it was not the first time she had accompanied the Ashtons to social engagements. Most of Lady Martha's acquaintances included her in all their invites, and they were cordial and respectful towards her. She neither enjoyed nor detested these engagements.
