Page 19 of The Governess of My Heart
“How could you even think about their welfare? They tried to ruin your life,” Charlotte cried with anger.
Elizabeth was silent.
“I need to find the truth about my mother, and I cannot digest their accusations of her character. My uncle should have been aware of what had happened, but why did he never disclose anything to me? I have a good bond with my aunt; even she chose to hide this,” she said in confusion.
“It would not be difficult for me to find their address, and you can meet them once they return. I feel Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are not divulging the entire truth.”
“I cannot stay here until then.”
“Well, we spent half the night arguing about your decision to work, and I understand that you don’t want to stay here. I will not force you if that is what you prefer. I have already written to some acquaintances to find a suitable position for you. But think about it, Lizzy. You have us, and working under someone is unnecessary.”
“I understand your concern for my well-being, but I want to start a new life and support myself,” she said with resolve.
Charlotte understood Elizabeth’s reasoning but was worried about her welfare. By evening, they were surprised by the arrival of a servant from Longbourn.
“Do not worry, Lizzy. I will handle it,” Charlotte said.
She met the servant, and it was Mr. Hill.
“Good evening, Mrs. Davis. I was sent here by Mr. Bennet.”
“Good evening! It is good to see you. May I enquire on what matter?” Charlotte asked calmly.
Mr. Hill hesitated for a second.
“Something alarming has happened in Longbourn. Miss Lizzy has been missing since yesterday morning.”
“Good Lord!”
“My master has sent me to enquire whether she has come here.”
“I do not understand. Why would Lizzy come here? Did she say that she would meet me?”
“We do not know, madam.”
“This is alarming. If you cannot find her in Hertfordshire, then please report her disappearance and get the help needed to find her. I don’t understand why you are here.”
“But she is your good friend, and my master thought…”
“She is, and I am her well-wisher, too. But I don’t think she would dare to come alone to town. She has never been here, and I cannot tell you how worried I am about her welfare. How can she suddenly disappear? Did something happen at Longbourn?”
Mr. Hill knew about Mr. Collins’s proposal and that it was the reason Elizabeth was missing, but he could not disclose it to Charlotte.
“I do not know, madam,” he said troubled.
“Well, you are wasting your time here. Please tell Mr. Bennet to get help from my father and find Elizabeth. This news trulyvexes me,” she said, and Mr. Hill left with worry as he had truly hoped he would find her in town. Once he left, Elizabeth joined Charlotte anxiously.
“Poor, Mr. Hill. He must be truly worried about me, and I had to stop myself from rushing into the room and explaining everything.”
“I know. But we cannot be careless, Lizzy. I think nobody except Mary should know about your whereabouts until your aunt and uncle arrive.”
“I hope nobody else comes looking for me. The sooner I find employment, the better, as I am certain my father might come looking for me.”
***
Meanwhile, in Longbourn, Mr. Bennet was agitated by the information from Mr. Hill.
“I thought she would be there. Now, where is she? What am I to do?”
