Page 29 of The Governess of My Heart
“My intention was not to hurt her, but I cannot live with them, Charlotte. I still feel there is something more to this story about my past. If my mother did not get married and did not disclose the identity of my father, there must be a reason for it. I cannot go to my uncle’s place because…”
“Because he never forgave her for her mistake.”
Elizabeth nodded in silence.
“Lizzy! I want to support your decision. But tell me you will stay here and not look for another employment.”
“I cannot; I need to find another position soon. I have no other choice but to trespass on your kindness until then,” she said and Charlotte chastised her for her words.
“All I want you to be is happy and safe. We are here to support you in all your endeavors, but I hope you will change your mind and consider staying here.”
Some days passed, and a letter arrived from Mary. Elizabeth understood from its contents that her aunt had paid a visit to Hertfordshire.
Dearest Lizzy,
I miss you so terribly, and I am unable to navigate my days without you here. There is no happiness, no insightful conversation, and nobody like you to comfort me. I am truly selfish to disclose my sadness when I cannot fathom what you are going through.
I hope your employers are kind and considerate. I truly pray for your safety and long for the day we can meet again. Sometimes, I am tempted to travel to town and meet you. But I do not want to give them the slightest hint about your whereabouts.
I will not mention anything about the behavior of our sisters and parents after your departure. I have nothing to say about them, and they are not worth discussing.
Yesterday, Aunt Gardiner visited Longbourn all of a sudden. Are you aware of her arrival in town? I did not get to talk to her in private. She met Mamma and Papa and argued with them about your disappearance.
She left in anger and did not say a word to anyone else. I hope you have met her already or will do so.
I would be delighted if you plan to live at our uncle’s house. Please be safe and write to me through Charlotte.
Mariah sends her regards, and she is aware of everything. Be assured she will maintain secrecy. Mamma and Papa can betray you, but we will not.
I miss you!
Yours,
Mary Bennet
So, aunt has gone to Longbourn. I wonder how the meeting went.
She knew soon enough when her aunt visited her that very day.
“I have been to Longbourn,” she said in a vexed tone.
“I know, as Mary wrote to me.”
“I saw for myself how cruel your parents, or I must say your aunt and uncle were. I cannot believe how easily they lied to me about everything that happened. I am sorry that we entrusted your welfare with them, Lizzy,” she said with anger and agony.
“Did you think you could make them confess about everything? Why did you take the trouble of going there? They must now suspect I met you in town.”
“Do not worry; I said nothing about you being here. I met them feigning ignorance of your disappearance, and they had the nerve to tell me you had run away with someone. They said nothing about that man, Mr. Collins, visiting Longbourn, nor did they utter a word about forcing you to marry him. I cannot repeat anything they said about you; I lost my temper and warned them that they would have to face your uncle soon.”
“Have you written to him already?”
“Not yet, but I plan to do so immediately.”
“I do not know what he can do, and I do not want to make matters worse for any of us,” Elizabeth said with worry.
“We must clear your name in Hertfordshire. They have spread such falsehood about you, and I can see how much they hate you as you foiled their plans. I realize now why you fled.”
“Whatever it is, I do not want to be a part of all this. I have left my home and could never return there. And what am I to get out of a confrontation? They would only repeat what they said about my mother and disgrace her. I do not care why she did not get married, and if she withheld information about my father, then it speaks volumes about the trust she had in her own family. I am not accusing anyone here, but I have nothing more to do with Longbourn. The only way I can find peace is by distancing myself from the life I have left behind. All I need is employment. If at all you want to help, please help me in that matter. That is all I am concerned about.”
