Page 160 of The Governess of My Heart
“Surprising?”
“Well, yes! But I am certain she will stand by you. The children need you, Lady Isabella, especially after I leave. I think the only way to compensate for whatever happened is to keep them happy. I understand you were very attached to them before Lady Sophia’s death.”
“Yes, I was. But after I married Philip, I could not forget everything and be their mother; I could not do it with the amount of guilt in my heart.”
“But now you can. I have faith that in time, everything will heal, and this family can be as peaceful as before; I think that is what Lady Sophia would want. I have heard so much about her from the children, but when I read her letter, I understood the kind of friendship she shared with you. You cannot give up on this life, at least for her sake.”
Lady Isabella looked at Elizabeth gratefully.
“You truly have a kind heart. Despite how I treated you, you saved my life, and in the past days, you have been a great source of support to me, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am. Even my mother, when she became aware of everything today, shunned me, but right from the very moment I revealed everything, you stood by my side.”
“I did what was right and nothing more. You are not alone here; please remember that. I came to Ashton Park with a past I wanted to forget and an uncertain future. Lady Martha welcomed me with kindness. I was a stranger to her then, and yet she protected me. She would never forsake you.”
Lady Isabella said nothing. It was two days since she had spoken with her husband, and she knew she had to at some point.
That night, the entire household in Ashton Park went to sleep with different emotions, and none of them expected to sleep except the two children, who were oblivious to every gruesome detail of their mother’s death.
Chapter 46
The next day in Ashton Park, Georgiana sat with Elizabeth in her room. She was aware of everything that had happened in the past few days.
“I do not know what to say or how to comfort everyone here. Lady Sophia was like you; she was kind and compassionate and kept everyone around her happy. She did not deserve this, and her maid; how could someone be so cruel? The more I see the world, the more I lose trust in it. Your past, my past with Wickham, and now what has happened here makes me lose faith in people and relationships.”
“Do not say that; the world is filled with both good and evil. We cannot lose trust in people around us because of these experiences. I was indeed mistreated by the people who raised me, but I unexpectedly found care and affection with Lady Martha. Then my life changed when I met you and your brother. The very fact that I have a future now is because there are people like you in this world.”
Georgiana smiled.
“We are to leave for town in two days, and I am so excited to accompany you and Fitzwilliam. I am happy at the prospect of meeting your sister as well.”
Elizabeth felt distressed about returning to Hertfordshire, but she knew Darcy was intent on confronting the Bennets, and she was eager to see Mary. Darcy was impatient about their trip and made all the necessary arrangements. Lady Martha was unhappy about parting with Elizabeth, and another matter bothered her amidst the recent developments in Ashton Park, so she decided to address it.
“I understand Beatrice is still unaware that Elizabeth is your daughter. When do you plan on telling her, considering you are leaving for London in two days,” she asked her brother.
“Augusta does not want me to interfere in this. She wants to tell Beatrice at the right moment.”
“There is no right moment for this; she would be heartbroken no matter when you tell her. You do not understand, Mark. This would devastate her, but keeping it, a secret will not help. Augusta and Beatrice look at Elizabeth as their enemy, and it is your responsibility to sort this out. Whatever happens in London, Elizabeth is your daughter; the world must know this. Don’t you feel pained when we address her as Miss Smith?”
Lord Anderson was silent for a few seconds.
“As far as I can see, she does not want to be associated with me in any way. I can sense that she is uncomfortable about me travelling with them to London.”
“These are mere excuses. You must tell Beatrice before you leave, or else I will,” she said and left him.
Lady Isabella and her parents were absent during dinner that day, and Elizabeth was worried. She met Lady Isabella, sensing something was amiss, and was shocked to learn her decision.
“I am leaving with my parents to Grovnor Park,” she said with distress.
“What are you saying? Lady Martha did not mention anything to me.”
“She doesn’t know yet. I do not want to tell her until you leave.”
“I am certain she will not allow you to leave.”
“This decision is not mine, but my husband’s. She will have no choice but to abide by his words.”
“Think about the children; you must stay here for them.”
“They are the very reason he wants me to leave. He does not want them to be around me, someone he does not trust,”Lady Isabella said with pain. Elizabeth felt sorry for her and was concerned about the well-being of the children.
