Page 26 of The Governess of My Heart
“Simon told me the truth. He told me that you asked him if you could be his mistress, and when he denied it, you hurt him, and now you are turning the tables on him.”
Elizabeth looked at her in shock.
“Do you... do you believe him?”
“Of course I do. I have known him since we were young and know about people like you too. You cannot be satisfied with a decent income, and you want more,” Mrs. Brooks cried in spite.
“Please watch your words, madam. I had the greatest respect for you, but now I don’t. What do you know about me to accuse me of such immorality?”
“Why you are an orphan. Who knows what you did before?”
Elizabeth trembled with anger as she heard the horrible accusation.
“Do you believe your wife, sir?” she finally asked, looking at her husband.
He looked at her with regret and confusion but said nothing.
“Thank you, sir. I understand you do not give me the benefit of the doubt. But I am telling you again that your cousin is a rake, and if I were you, I would not allow him even near Clara,” she said, looking at his wife.
“Be quiet!” Mrs. Brooks yelled back.
“I will not. If not, today, someday you will realize the truth in my words. I don’t think I am required to prove anything to you about my character. I know who I am, and you have trusted me with your children for so many weeks. By not believing me now, you only mock your sense of judgement. I will no longer work for you.”
“Yes! We do not want you to. Leave at the break of dawn, and I will make sure you do not get employed anywhere,” Mrs. Brooks cried.
“Do whatever you can, and I do not care,” she said, trying to leave.
“Wait,” Mr. Brooks cried, holding an envelope for her to take.
“Miss Smith, this is the money we owe you for this month,” he said, looking forlorn.
“Thank you, but I do not want it. You may use it to treat Mr. Dean’s wound, and I am certain this won’t be his last,” she said, leaving them.
She hardly slept that night, packed her belongings, and left early the next morning. She found it extremely hard to leave without seeing the children.
I would not be permitted near them.
One of the servants offered to assist her to the coach.
“We are sorry to see you leave, Miss Smith, as the children have been happy after your arrival,” the servant girl said as they walked out of the house.
“I think they will find another good governess soon,” she said, revealing nothing else. However disheartened she felt about her employers, she did not want to talk ill of them.
She felt guilty to return to Charlotte’s house again, but she had no other choice.
I never thought this would happen to me again. Why are people this way? Why can I not trust anyone around me?
She entered Charlotte’s home with guilt, and the servant led her into the parlor. Elizabeth froze when she entered the room, seeing Charlotte seated with someone else.
Impossible!
“Aunt Gardiner!”
Chapter 10
Charlotte and Mrs. Gardiner stared at Elizabeth, shocked by her unexpected arrival. Before anyone could utter a word, Elizabeth threw herself into her aunt’s arms.
“I cannot believe you are here. I am so happy to see you,” she cried with joy and relief.
