Page 104 of The Governess of My Heart
“I am happy to make your acquaintance,” he said in a deep voice. Elizabeth immediately noticed that his demeanorwas different from his sister's. He seemed serious and had a scrutinizing look.
Lord Ashton and Lady Isabella joined them, along with Lady Isabella's parents. Once the introductions were made, Lady Isabella tried to converse amiably with her husband's uncle, and Elizabeth was curious to meet the rest of the family.
“I am glad you are here. We hope you can stay until Christmas,” Lord Ashton said to his uncle.
“That might not be possible. We plan to leave in six weeks.”
“I will be returning along with them,” Mr. Anderson said. Elizabeth noticed Lord Anderson’s gaze fixed on her and was tempted to raise her eyebrow in response. To her, he seemed a stark contrast to his siblings.
“Now, where is my cousin?” Lord Ashton asked. Just then, entered Lord Anderson’s wife and daughter. Lady Martha made the introductions between them and her daughter-in-law.
Lady Anderson was a lean, tall woman with sharp features. Her daughter resembled her and was almost the same age or a year younger than Elizabeth. Elizabeth immediately noticed their hostility towards her. They seemed to be surprised that the governess was joining them for breakfast. They sat down to eat, and she sat opposite Lord Anderson.
“Are the children awake? Will they join us?” Lord Anderson asked Lady Isabella.
“Yes, they are and should join us soon,” she replied confidently.
Lady Martha looked at her daughter-in-law with doubt.
“Is that so, Miss Smith?” she asked, well aware that the children were sleeping and would not join them for breakfast. Elizabeth did not know how to reply and knew that Lady Martha was taunting her daughter-in-law, as Lady Isabella never involved herself with the children’s welfare or needs.
Elizabeth saw the distress and embarrassment on Lady Isabella’s face.
“Yes! They should be joining us soon unless Mrs. Davidson feels they could benefit from a quick nap,” she replied, fully aware that they were sound asleep.
Lady Martha smiled at Elizabeth.You amaze me, Elizabeth.
Lady Isabella realized how Elizabeth had saved her from embarrassment without revealing that the children were fast asleep. Her mother-in-law often belittled her for not devoting time to the children. She looked at Elizabeth and smiled gratefully. Elizabeth was shocked to see such a reaction from her.
“We are elated to meet you during this visit, Lord Anderson. It is such a wonderful surprise indeed,” Lady Isabella’s father exclaimed.
“The pleasure is mine,” he replied without emotion. Conversation circled around Pemberley, and Lady Anderson expressed her displeasure about the absence of Darcy.
“It is indeed disappointing not to see Mr. Darcy this time. Did Miss Darcy mention anything about his return?” he asked her daughter.
“Miss Darcy informed me that he might not be present for the harvest ball,” Miss Anderson replied, her face lighting up with the mention of Darcy, and Elizabeth noticed it. After breakfast, the women sat at the parlor. Elizabeth immediately noticed Lady Anderson’s scowl, seeing Elizabeth accompany them. Her daughter’s face revealed the same emotion.
Elizabeth felt uncomfortable invading their privacy, excused herself, and headed to the library.
“She seems too young and inexperienced to be a governess,” Lady Anderson mentioned as soon as Elizabeth left.
“Yes, she is young but has done remarkably well with the children. You will see soon,” Lady Martha replied.
“I agree. The children have benefited from her in more ways than one,” Lady Isabella said.
Her mother-in-law was surprised with her praise as she had never heard her give Elizabeth credit in any matter. She realized Lady Isabella had finally warmed up to her, and Georgiana’s arrival interrupted their conversation.
Miss Anderson was under the impression that Georgiana had called on her, but Lady Martha knew better. Georgiana had visited to see Elizabeth and was disappointed when she was absent from the parlor.
After a few minutes of conversation, Lardy Martha understood Georgiana’s predicament.
“Would you like to meet Miss Smith, my dear?”
“Yes, of course.”
“She might be in the library.”
Georgiana excused herself and hurried to the library. The moment she saw Elizabeth, she flung herself into her arms, and Elizabeth embraced her with equal happiness.
