Page 106 of The Governess of My Heart
That night, she was surprised to see Lord Anderson seated in the library with a pile of books beside him. He noticed her and stood.
“Lord Anderson, pardon me if I have disturbed you.”
“You did not. Do you enjoy reading? My sister says you do.”
“Oh! Yes. I love to read more than anything.”
“I am certain the children benefit from it as well. I can see much improvement in them since my last visit,” he said with a hint of admiration.
“I thank you. They are well-behaved and eager to learn.”
He said nothing. Elizabeth took the books and headed to the door, wishing him a good night.
“Which part of town are you from?” he asked earnestly, making her stop.
Elizabeth suddenly felt nervous. A million thoughts ran through her mind.Maybe he knows Uncle Gardiner. Oh no! What do I say?
“Gracechurch Street, sir,” she replied in a low voice, wishing she had any other way to answer this question often asked.
“Your parents?”
“I am an orphan.”
“Then who raised you?”
Elizabeth was irked, but she did not show it.
“My aunt.”
He was silent.
“May I leave, or do you need a history of my employment as a governess as well?” she asked, unable to contain her sarcasm.
Lord Anderson was silent, and suddenly, his expression softened.
“Maybe we can go over the details during breakfast,” he said with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled. She did not know why, but she liked him. Again, she thought his demeanor was similar to Darcy’s.
However, she went to bed that night, tired of lying about her identity.
Chapter 33
“What do you mean by saying the necklace is missing? Did you leave it at Grovnor Park?” cried Lord Ashton.
“No, I did not. I am not certain where I misplaced it,” Lady Isabella said in despair.
Lord Ashton was angry with his wife when he discovered her jewels missing. He had bought the necklace for her recently and was unhappy with the news.
“Mother will not be happy if she comes to know. I know you did not want to wear Sophia’s jewels, and you still cannot explain why, which is why I bought you new ones.”
Lady Isabella was silent.
“Why are you silent? Do you have any other explanation?”
“I am sorry, I cannot remember where I lost it.”
“Didn’t you wear it for the dinner party at your aunt’s place before we left?”
