Page 13 of The Governess of My Heart
“Do you want me to run away?”
“There is no other choice. Listen to me, Lizzy; they are prepared to do anything to save Longbourn. You cannot marry that man and repent for life. After what I overheard, they would go to any level to ruin you and get what they want. I hate to say this, but your life and honor are at risk in our home.”
“Where do I go? Uncle Gardiner is not in town. I cannot take this decision in haste; there must be another way.”
“Go to Charlotte. I trust her, and your friendship is strong. I am certain that she will help you. We do not have time. Leave the house at the break of dawn.”
Tears streamed down Elizabeth’s face. As much as she hated the idea, she knew it was the only sensible thing to do. She did not want to be caught in a compromise and marry Mr. Collins.
With no support in Hertfordshire, she knew she had to leave the place. She realized that spending another day in Longbourn would risk her entire future and welfare.
I must leave; I do not belong here, and my parents have raised me only as a burden.
She trusted her friendship with Charlotte and was certain that her friend would help her.
“But Mary, they will surely come in search of me. I would bring shame to our family if I ran away,” she doubted her decision for a moment.
“You still consider this your family, but please understand they don’t. Please do not care about the repercussions of your actions; they are not worthy of your guilt. I know I am asking you to leave everything and find your way in this world, but I wantyou to be safe, Lizzy. I cannot see you marry that horrible man and suffer.”
Elizabeth tried to think of any other option and found none. She knew she could never live in Longbourn with the weight of the truth.
Life would be hell! But what am I to do with Charlotte’s help?
“I could be a governess. I can work somewhere, Mary.”
“Whatever it is, I am sure Charlotte will assist you. Maybe once Uncle Gardiner returns, you can live with them.”
They quickly discussed her departure the next day, and Elizabeth realized how mature Mary appeared suddenly. She had Charlotte’s address and hoped her friend would help her.
By midnight, Elizabeth left for her room, and Mary looked at her sister with guilt and agony. She knew that her sister was not safe in their home, which distressed her beyond measure.
Jane was still asleep, and Elizabeth sat on the floor, trying hard to compose herself. She knew that, except for Mary, none of her sisters would care for her once the truth was out. She closed her eyes, and tiredness engulfed her.
What is to become of me? Is this the last night I am going to spend in Longbourn? How am I to survive such a disgrace of running away?
She woke up in the early hours the next day and packed a small bag to take with her. Elizabeth had packed a couple of gowns and nothing else. Before she left her room, she removed the only piece of jewelry she had, a chain her father had gifted her for her birthday some years ago and placed it on the dresser.
I do not want to be named a thief as well.
Mary waited outside in the corridor and pressed some money into her hands.
“I cannot take this.”
“It is mine, Lizzy. I have saved it over the years without spending on bonnets and ribbons. You must,” she insisted.
Elizabeth hugged her sister tightly.
“Leave now and catch the first coach to town. No one will suspect your absence for a few hours.”
Mary was certain that her family would assume she had gone to Oakham Mount, as she had always had the habit of spending the morning outdoors.
“I don’t know if we can ever meet again. I am agonized thinking about the repercussions of my actions. Please take care of everyone. I still cannot believe I am doing this. But I know this is the only option.”
There was no sight of anyone else in the house, and Elizabeth quickly left through the back door.
She almost ran out, fearing that she would change her mind. Once she reached the fields, she could see the peak of Oakham Mount.
It struck her that she could never walk up and enjoy the morning as she did before. Her life had altered forever.
