Page 21 of The Governess of My Heart
“So, you do not want to be a Bennet.”
“Yes!”
“All right, if the purpose is not to attract any attention to yourself, then we can call you Elizabeth Smith, Miss Smith. How does it sound?”
“I find it suitable. But what am I to say to my employer about my relations?”
“I don’t see why you should declare all the horrid details that happened to you in your home. You are on your own now; maybewe can just say you have an aunt in town, but you want to support yourself by working. Lizzy, I think it should not matter.”
Elizabeth considered it carefully. She knew she would not be welcome in any house if she revealed the details about the past, but she hated to be dishonest.
What choice do I have?
“Do not feel guilty about anything. Your family is the one who should feel shame and guilt. You must be proud of your willpower and resolve to live on your own terms. I am proud of you, Lizzy. I don’t think I would have had the courage to free myself from such a situation.”
Finally, Elizabeth agreed to call herself Miss Smith and reveal nothing about her past. They met with the family she was to be employed with.
Her employer was Mr. Brooks, who lived on the outskirts of town. He and his wife, Mrs. Tracy Brooks, had two young children, a nine-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl.
Elizabeth was apprehensive about the meeting, but the couple were kind and friendly.
“Adam is a very obedient child, but Clara is naughty. Our previous governess was not accommodative of their needs. We do not want them to detest learning but enjoy it. Have you had any experience before as a governess, Miss Smith?” Mrs. Brook asked.
“I do not, madam. But I have experience teaching younger ones, my sisters,” she paused. “I mean, my distant relatives.”
“You say you do not have any family.”
“Yes, except for my aunt.”
Elizabeth felt guilty for hiding many details about her life and looked at her friend with distress. Charlotte gave her a reassuring nod.
“We cannot make an immediate decision. We will be interviewing some more references for this position. We will inform you within a week.”
Charlotte and Elizabeth left their home with hope. Elizabeth liked the family and thought it would be a good place to start a new life.
If they offer me the position, I should be able to work here at least until Uncle Gardiner returns.
Within a week, Charlotte received a letter from Mr. Brooks asking Elizabeth to join as the governess, and Elizabeth was happy with the news.
“I cannot believe it, and I am so glad they are giving me this opportunity. Thank you, Charlotte, as I am certain your friend put in a word for me.”
“I hope you will be happy and safe there. I would never be able to let you leave if you were to go far away from us,” Charlotte said.
“I will be.”
Elizabeth left to join her employment within a few days, and the friends said a tearful goodbye.
You deserve a better life, Lizzy. I will pray for you every day.
Charlotte thought as the carriage sped away.
At the same time Elizabeth’s carriage left, another carriage entered a townhouse on the opposite side of town.
Darcy entered his house without excitement as he never favored town. He had left Georgiana in Ramsgate with a companion he hired.
I should have brought her along. But the sea air should be better for her health.
He sat in his study and wondered why he always felt out of place in town. He hated social engagements and found it difficult to be in the company of any woman who wanted to impress and capture his heart.
