Page 15 of The Governess of My Heart
Mary went inside, hoping that her face would not betray anything.
“Where is she? Has she not returned yet?” her mother cried impatiently.
“I do not know, Mamma.”
“She is usually back by now. What has caused her to be away for so long? Insolent girl. Maybe she is sitting on the mount and crying about the truth.”
“What truth, Mamma?” Mary asked innocently.
“Never mind. I will ask the footman to fetch her. How long can Mr. Collins wait to comp…” She bit her lip and left.
“Oh! Mary! Mamma has been so irritated since morning. What has Lizzy done now?” Lydia asked with irritation.
Mary was silent as she knew she could not trust any of her sisters in the matter.
By dinner, Mr. Bennet and his wife became anxious.
“The servant tells me she is nowhere near the mount,” Mrs. Bennet said with worry to her husband.
“I am sure she is there. Did they check the trails she walks in? She must be upset about what happened last night.”
“She was born to give me headaches, just like her mother.”
“Enough! I said not to talk about the past. I have had a bad headache since last night, and whatever your plan is, execute it and send her away. I cannot look at her after revealing the truth,” Mr. Bennet yelled.
Mrs. Bennet looked at him angrily as she could not forget the past.
Later, a search party was sent to bring Elizabeth back home.
Mr. Collins tried his best to contain his anger. That morning, when Mrs. Bennet conveyed the plan of compromising Elizabeth, he was thrilled, as her beauty always tempted him.
If this is the only way she will marry me, then so be it.
He waited patiently for many hours, but when Elizabeth did not turn up, he became agitated.
Where is she? She is testing my patience.
Mary observed him keenly and was glad that Elizabeth was not in Hertfordshire. One by one, the footmen returned withoutany news about Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet finally understood the seriousness of the situation.
“Did you enquire in the village? Was she not seen in Meryton, too?”
“No, sir. No one has seen Miss Elizabeth since morning,” the servant replied.
“I hope you were discreet in your search.”
“Yes! sir. We did not raise any concern,” the servant replied, worried as all the staff in Longbourn had respect and affection for Elizabeth.
“Oh! This is dreadful, Mr. Bennet. Where is that girl now? I am sure she is hiding somewhere just to threaten us,” Mrs. Bennet cried.
“This is ridiculous, madam. First, she refused my hand, and now she insults me by avoiding coming home. I hope you would not mind if I treat her how she deserves to be treated once she returns,” he said, leaving the room in anger.
“Mr. Bennet, I have a suspicion.”
Mary, who stood by the door, trembled in fear.Will they know about her whereabouts?
“What is it?” he asked.
“I think she jumped off the mount.”
