Page 74 of The Governess of My Heart
“I am happy here, and I wonder how I can be happier and safe anywhere else,” she said, grateful for making such a connection in her wretched life.
When the carriage reached the house, the house was silent, and it was way past bedtime.
Elizabeth retired to her room, and her maid helped her change.
“I hope you had a good evening, Miss,” she said.
“Yes, I did. I thank you once again for all your help.”
She lay awake in bed, unable to sleep, occupied by the events of the evening.
Why did he have to ask me to dance? Why can’t he leave me alone?
She finally slept, tired of her thoughts.
Around half past twelve, she heard a noise and woke up. She looked around and wondered what it could be. She slowly walked to the door. When she looked outside, the hallway looked deserted.
And she heard the noise again, and it sounded as if it came from outside.
Her room had a balcony, and she remembered she had left the door open. She stepped out into the night. She thought she saw someone in the garden in the faint light of the moon. Her room was on the second floor, and all she could see was a vague figure moving.
Who could it be at this hour?
She wondered and was not sure if it was her mind playing tricks on her.
She saw the figure move behind the trees and disappear. Elizabeth stood there for a few minutes and went inside, wondering if she had imagined everything.
The next morning, she contemplated whether everything had been a dream. She had woken up earlier than usual and decided to leave for her walk.
In the hallway, she almost collided with Lady Isabella, who seemed to be in a hurry to head up the stairs.
“Forgive me,” Elizabeth said in surprise.
She saw Lady Isabella quickly hide something in her shawl, which looked like a letter.
“Please move aside,” Lady Isabella cried and left her.
Elizabeth was puzzled by her behavior.
She left the house and headed to the gardens, ventured to the same spot where she had seen someone the previous night, and spotted a big flat stone that seemed oddly positioned near one of the bushes.
Someone has moved this. There is nothing in here, but I am certain this is the same spot I saw from the balcony.
She then had a strange doubt in her mind.
Did Lady Isabella take something from here? Maybe it was the letter she tried to hide.
It does not make any sense. Who did I see last night? Was it her or someone else?
Elizabeth knew Lady Isabella was ever an early riser.
This is all so strange.
She contemplated taking the matter to Lady Martha but decided against it and headed for a walk.
I cannot take this matter to her unless I know what I saw.
I need more insight!
