Page 76 of The Governess of My Heart
“Oh!”
“But I do not want the children to stay here without their father. As much as I would miss them, I want them to go along.”
“Don't Lady Isabella's parents live close by?”
“They used to, but recently, they moved further north and bought an estate there. So, if my son leaves, he will not return for a month.”
“Pardon my interference; the children have stayed here before without their father. I don't think they would be distressed, but they will certainly miss him.”
“That is exactly my point. Edmund and Emily are getting used to living without their father. He went on a long honeymoon; they cried for the first few days and became accustomed to his absence. Between your company and their nanny, their father isan option for them. I do not want it to be that way. I want him to be there for them unless it is absolutely necessary to leave them here with us.”
“I understand your reasoning.”
“Now, coming to the part that concerns you. Would you be willing to travel with them? Of course, their nanny will accompany you all.”
“Considering my position as their governess, I wonder why you would require my consent in this matter?”
“Because I do not want to force anything on you. Lady Isabella's parents are not as detached as her, but it will be a new house with new acquaintances. You have settled here well, and I wanted to ask if you are comfortable staying there for a month.”
“I would be happy to go along with the children. I do not think a new place will hinder our usual routine.”
She knew she was happy because she could escape being in Darcy's company.
“When do we leave?” she asked.
“Next month, you will return by the end of November.”
It was settled that Elizabeth was to travel, and Lord Ashton was also happy about the decision, but Elizabeth could sense that Lady Isabella was not.
She hardly spoke to her during dinner, and Elizabeth pondered the previous week's happenings and the mysterious person in the garden. Lady Isabella's strange behavior made no sense to her, but she knew the sudden visit planned had something to do with it.
A couple of days passed, and Georgiana visited her almost every evening as she was upset about Elizabeth's intended travel.
“I will return in a month, Miss Darcy.”
“Oh! A month is too long. I shall miss you terribly.”
“I hope it will pass soon.”
“I will be bored at Pemberley. My brother seems upset about something and is not his usual self. We usually go for morning rides together, but now he prefers to go alone. I don't know if it is something I did,” she said with sadness.
“I am certain it is nothing. I do not know how your brother could be upset with you.”
“You think I cannot do anything wrong?”
“Certainly! You feel the same way about me, right, Miss Darcy?” she asked with a laugh.
To Elizabeth's horror, suddenly Georgiana started to cry.Elizabeth immediately hugged the young girl and was glad they were in her room.
“Oh dear! Did I say anything to upset you? Please talk to me.”
“I am such a horrible sister, and I am a horrible person. You would not even wish to be acquainted with me if you knew the truth.”
Elizabeth could not understand what she meant. Within the next few minutes, Georgiana blurted out everything about her association with Wickham and the elopement in Ramsgate.
Georgiana's revelation horrified Elizabeth as she understood how close the innocent girl had been to ruin.
“Miss Darcy, please do not cry. You made a mistake but did not proceed with the elopement. I am certain your brother does not detest you for this. He does not seem like a person who would dislike his beloved sister for one mistake, and I am so proud of you for making the right decision. I am glad you are safe.”
