Page 23 of The Governess of My Heart
“Then, why do you hesitate? Please join us tonight,” she asked, and Elizabeth reluctantly accepted.
She dressed that evening in one of the new gowns Charlotte had given her before she left and remembered the conversation with her friend.
“Why would I need such gowns, Charlotte?”
“Of course, you would need them. You may have to dress up for some social engagement.”
“At my present state, who will invite me for one?”
“Please, Lizzy, take them. When you use them, think of me and remind yourself that you have a whole beautiful life ahead of you.”
Elizabeth smiled at her reflection in the mirror and somehow felt more confident than nervous.
I have made it this far. I have tasted the air of independence.
She looked at the money she had earned from her employment, and tears filled her eyes.
But it was not tears of shame but joy, as Elizabeth was proud of herself and her mother’s words echoed in her mind.
“You have nobody. Where will you go? You have no one except us.”
You were wrong, Mamma! More than relations of the blood, I have built a friendship that has helped me survive.
The evening passed quickly, and Mrs. Brooks introduced Elizabeth to all her friends.
Some looked at her without care, and some conversed with her for the sake of their host.
Elizabeth did not care about anyone’s judgement. She wanted to be there for the sake of her employer, not to enjoy a social gathering.
Some men came forward to converse with her, and she heard blatant praise for her beauty.
What would Jane think if she found out about these compliments?she thought and smiled.
After sometime, she wondered if it would be disrespectful if she left the party early and headed to her room, and suddenly heard someone address her.
“I believe we have not been introduced,” she heard a voice behind her.
Elizabeth turned and stared into the eyes of a handsome man and tried to spot Mrs. Brooks in the crowd.
“Are you looking for my sister?” he asked with a grin.
“I am Tracy’s cousin,” he said with a charming smile.
Mrs. Brooks joined them.
“You have done it again, Simon. Have you not?” she asked.
“What are you accusing me of?”
“Of introducing yourself to my friends before I get the chance to do so. Miss Smith, may I introduce my cousin, Mr. Simon Dean, to you? This is Miss Smith. She has been a boon to our family and is the governess I wrote to you about.”
“Oh my! Why did we not have such an enchanting governess instead of old Mrs. Bailey,” he said and laughed.
His sister laughed along with him, and Elizabeth felt uncomfortable with his praise. As the evening progressed, she met numerous other acquaintances of her employer, and she thought she had navigated the evening better than anticipated. No one was interested in knowing more about her or her past.
In the next few days, Mr. Dean was a regular visitor to the house, and one day, Elizabeth saw him with the family during supper.
“Do you see how well-behaved the children are because of their governess?” Mrs. Brooks asked.
