Page 24 of The Governess of My Heart
“Of course, I can see. Clara would hardly allow me to eat in peace before, and I am certain Miss Smith knows how to keep things in order,” Mr. Dean said.
Elizabeth looked at him, and there was something about the look on his face that unsettled her.
“Is this your first employment, Miss Smith?” he asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t think lack of experience is affecting your teaching.”
“Absolutely not. You must see Adam’s progress; I am truly astounded,” Mr. Brooks said.
“Really? Then you must be proficient in several subjects,” he said with a rakish look on his face.
“More than being proficient, I am firm in many matters, sir. Apart from lessons, I am very particular about morals, behavior, and values. And when I see anything lacking in that area, I do not let it pass without correcting it,” she said, smiling at him.
Mr. Dean looked at her with confusion.
“But I must say Clara and Adam are wonderful children with good manners and values. I cannot give the credit to people who don’t deserve it,” she said with a piercing gaze at him.
That night, she felt uneasy for the first time in many weeks. She had found Mr. Dean’s words inappropriate. But she noticed that neither Mr. Brooks nor his wife found it ill-mannered.
I may be overreacting.No! I need to be vigilant; something about the man unsettles me.
She learned that Mr. Dean would be in town for some weeks, and Mrs. Brooks was all praise for her cousin.
“I have no siblings. I have always been very fond of Simon, and I am glad he is in town,” she said with emotion.
A few days later, she found him in the breakfast parlor.
“Good morning, Miss Smith. My God! You are a vision in the mornings, and I am fortunate to be here today.”
Elizabeth stared at him with irritation as no one else was present with them.
“You may wonder what I am doing here at this hour. Well, I am staying here until I head home,” he said with a look of victory.
“Would you not be happy to have lively company during the evenings?” he asked her with a smile.
Before she could reply, they were interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Brooks.
“Good morning, cousin. I am so happy that you have decided to spend your last week in town with us. You will be sorely missed after you leave.”
“Oh! Do not worry, Tracy. I will leave lasting memories with each of you before that,” he said, looking at Elizabeth. She felt a shiver down her spine, but if at all she was intimidated, she did not show it.
She sat down to eat without betraying her thoughts.
He is trying to taunt me. I could tell her that I am uncomfortable around him. But will she believe me? Maybe men are like this, vulgar and uncouth. What am I to do? Leave this house?It is just a week, Elizabeth. Everything will be all right.
She reassured herself.
A few days passed swiftly, and Elizabeth ensured she did not stay alone in Mr. Dean’s company.
She usually spent much time in the library in the evenings without disturbance. But now, she did not want to take a chance. Elizabeth kept to her room and engaged with the children the whole day.
One evening, the children finished their lessons and played on the upper floor, and Elizabeth wanted to refer to some books in the library. She wondered if she could spend a few minutes and take the books she needed. She entered the library and found it empty, she quickly found the books and turned around to leave, but to her shock, Elizabeth saw him standing by the door.
Mr. Dean quickly closed the door behind him before she could protest.
“You have been very careful, Miss Smith. Those beautiful eyes have been watchful of my presence and carefully avoided me in all ways,” he said, walking towards her.
