Page 151 of The Governess of My Heart
“Lady Martha, I am so disappointed to hear how you have treated our daughter. Please do not assume we will allow her to live here for the sake of society if you do not give her the respect she deserves,” Lady Isabella’s mother said and took her daughter away.
Lord Ashton’s words pricked her in every possible way, and Lady Martha finally understood that everyone in her family, including her, had flaws.
***
After Darcy left, Elizabeth spent time with the children; she did not want to see anyone else and retired early. She paced her room, her thoughts circling around the letters she had read and reread since morning.
What are we to find in London? Will I discover the truth? I still cannot believe my mother demanded money from him. Did someone force her?
She missed Darcy, understanding how comforted she had felt the previous night to be under the same roof with him. His words of comfort and reassurance made her determined to care for herself mentally and physically. She started packing for the trip, feeling uneasy about Lord Anderson’s intention to accompany them.
It was half past ten when she heard a knock on her door.
Who would it be at this hour? Maybe Lady Martha wants to see me.
Elizabeth opened the door expecting to see her maid and was shocked to find Lord Anderson standing outside her room. He stood with a candle and looked at her without uttering a word.
Elizabeth never expected to spend any time alone with him and could not understand what made him venture to her room at that hour.
“Forgive me; why are you here?” she asked bluntly, trying to hide her uneasiness.
“Have you not slept yet?” Lord Anderson asked.
“No.”
“Are you well?” he asked, his tone, though icy, expressing care and concern.
Elizabeth could not mistake the concern in his voice; it was not the same man who had argued with her a few hours ago. As much as she wanted to say something spiteful to him, she could not.
“I am well,” she replied, confused by her own words.
“Good night!” he said and left her.
Elizabeth quickly shut the door and struggled to catch her breath. She could not believe what had happened.
Why did he come at this hour? I assumed he must be pacifying his wife and daughter. He is trying to unsettle me in some way. No, there is no change in my ill will towards him. There is nothing but hate in my heart for the man who is responsible for my mother’s death.
How did he get the courage to see me after all he has done? Does he think no one will question him here? I must not allow it; I must tell Lady Martha I do not want to see or speak with him.
Even though it was late at night, Elizabeth left her room to speak with Lady Martha about her concerns. She had to walk across to the other side of the house to reach the family wing, and the hallways were dimly lit.
She took the stairs to reach the upper floors and headed towards the direction of Lady Martha’s room and suddenly heard a noise behind her and turned around. It seemed to come from the upper floor.
Who could it be at this hour?
By instinct, she took the stairs that led to the upper floor, which had a wide corridor, and as soon as she set foot on the corridor, Elizabeth was shocked to see someone heading towards the balcony that overlooked the gardens.
Elizabeth could not make out who it was but could see that it was a woman. What horrified her was that the woman suddenly tried to stand on the wall, and Elizabeth could not mistake her intention.
Without losing an instant, Elizabeth ran forward and pulled the woman down as she was about to jump.
They landed on the floor, and Elizabeth was shocked to discover her identity.
“Lady Isabella? Good Heavens!”
Chapter 44
“Let me go! I need to end my life; let me end this misery,” Lady Isabella cried.
