Page 90 of The Governess of My Heart
She also wondered about her father and was uncertain if she would ever know the truth about his identity.
Someone must know who he was. Someone in town, maybe.
She did not want to entertain the thought of fate bringing them together at some point in her life. She hated the man as he was the sole reason for her current state.
The first day in Grovnor Park passed swiftly, and Elizabeth was busy with the children.
Lady Isabella’s parents did not like her presence with them during meals, and Lord Ashton was oblivious to their state of mind.
He was happy to have Elizabeth accompany them on the trip and join them for meals as a routine. Lady Isabella said very little, and Elizabeth found it strange that she was also aloof from her parents. She looked troubled most of the time.
She noticed that, in the past few weeks, Lady Isabella had kept to herself and often felt unwell.
Maybe she is with a child.
She missed Lady Martha and wondered how she had grown so attached to her over the past months. Elizabeth respected Lady Martha for her kindness and support in ensuring her welfare since the day she had set foot in Ashton Park.
***
The next day in Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet hurriedly rushed into the parlor.
“Oh! Dear Jane! You will not believe this. Do you remember the handsome man we met yesterday? “
“Who, Mamma?”
“Oh! That tall man, Mr. Darcy.”
“Yes! He looked so grumpy.”
“Do not say that. He looked so handsome, and do you know Mr. Darcy has ten thousand pounds a year.”
“What? Ten thousand?”
“Yes, my dear. I believe he owns one of the grandest estates in Derbyshire and several houses in town. And do you know hisuncle is the Earl of Matlock? What luck, my dear Jane, for him to be here. I always knew you could settle very well in life.”
Jane did not need any more information in this matter.
Ten thousand a year!
“He seemed very amiable indeed, Mamma! How noble of him to travel all the way to assist his friend. Next time we meet, I will tell him how much I admire this quality in men,” Jane exclaimed.
Mary was shocked.
Now, Jane has shifted her interests to Mr. Darcy. I am so ashamed to be a part of this family.
“Yes, yes, my dear. You do that. I think we have an invitation from Mr. Bingley this week. He is inviting us and the Lucas family over for supper. I am pretty certain Mr. Darcy would like to know you better. Mr. Bingley is nothing when compared to him,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Mary had heard enough. She was anxious to post the letter she had written to Elizabeth the previous night. Just as she was about to leave, Mariah walked in along with her mother.
“Oh! Lady Lucas, it is nice to see you,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Mariah immediately approached Mary and asked her to accompany her for a walk in the gardens.
Once they were out, she pushed a letter into Mary’s hands.
“Is it from Lizzy?”
“Yes, it came along with Charlotte’s letters this morning,” Mariah replied.
