Page 32 of The Governess of My Heart
Aunt Gardiner has informed her about my past?
“I am repeating your words. Please do not hold your aunt in contempt for this disclosure, as she wants you to be safe. In case you have trouble from your father’s side, she wanted me to be aware of everything so that I could protect you. The very fact that you told the truth within minutes of our meeting only reaffirms everything your aunt declared about your character. I am delighted to have you as our governess.”
Elizabeth was overwhelmed by her words, as she was certain she would have to leave the place after the disclosure.
“I cannot thank you enough. I did not know what to expect once I revealed the truth.”
“Whatever has happened in your past need not decide your future. I promise to keep you safe and happy here. Do you still wish to go by the name of Smith?”
“Yes! I do not want to bear a name that is not mine; I might as well be a Smith than a Bennet.”
“All right then; be assured this will be between us.”
“Thank you, Lady Martha. I am truly grateful for your understanding.”
Supper passed swiftly as Elizabeth learned more about the family from Lady Martha. She was eager to meet the children thenext day. She lay awake that night, hoping the future was not as grim as she thought it would be.
***
Meanwhile, in Ramsgate, Darcy doubted everything he had ever believed in life.
The past days were filled with agony and turmoil. Darcy had reached Ramsgate with excitement to meet his beloved sister, only to be succumbed by the horror awaiting him.
When he reached the house, he had rented, Darcy found his sister in her room.
“Georgi, I missed you so much,” he cried when he saw her. She looked confused as she seemed to be packing her bags. Georgiana froze upon seeing him.
Darcy’s eyes traveled to the bags she had packed and understood something was wrong.
“What are you doing? Were you planning to travel to town? Why didn’t you write to me?” he asked with confusion.
“Oh! Fitzwilliam, I am so sorry!” she cried, as she collapsed into his arms, and confessed what she had planned to do.
Darcy was horrified when Georgiana revealed her plan. She had fallen in love with Wickham and planned to elope with him.
“George said you would never approve of our union. But now that you are here, we do not have to run away to Gretna Green. Please forgive me and give us your approval,” she asked hopefully, and Darcy’s rage knew no bounds.
“I never expected you to be so foolish. What is wrong with you? You are fifteen. Is this an age to get married?”
“But I love him, and he loves me. Why can’t we get married?” she cried in anger.
“If he loves you, he will never ask you to run away. He would have come to me, and I am certain Wickham wants money. He probably wants to blackmail me for money once he takes you away.”
“George will never do that; I know him. You are lying; he said you have always been jealous of him.”
Darcy tried hard to control his anger.
"You are too naïve Georgiana. There is nothing honorable about him for me to be jealous of. Father raised us both as his children, but I knew what Wickham was from childhood. Trust me, you are not the first woman he has promised to marry. He has cheated many women in Derbyshire and ruined them for life. You do not know his character.”
“You are lying, and I know you are lying out of spite.”
“Listen to me. When Wickham and Mrs. Younge return, tell them that you do not want to elope. Ask Wickham to go to town and see me. You will see the real Wickham then.”
“What if he agrees? What if he agrees to my demand?”
“I promise you he will not.”
“But what if he does?”
