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I t had been a week since Elizabeth arrived in Derbyshire, and she had settled in amiably at Ashton Park, taking responsibility as the governess of Lady Martha’s grandchildren.

The children were twins, a boy, and a girl, five years of age. Elizabeth was saddened when she became aware of their mother’s unfortunate demise.

“We lost their mother five months ago; it was an accident. She fell down the stairs and was dead by the time we found her,” Lady Martha informed with sadness.

Elizabeth was horrified to learn about the incident.

“I am so sorry for your loss, madam. They are lovely children, and it is cruel to lose their mother at such a young age,” she said and paused, wanting to know whether they were attached to their stepmother.

“Well, you may already know that my son remarried. She was a friend of Sophia’s.”

“It must be easier for Edmund and Emily if they are already acquainted with their stepmother.”

“Honestly, I did not expect him to get married so soon as he loved Sophia dearly,” Lady Martha said with feeling.

Elizabeth could sense that she disapproved of the match.

“It was a sudden decision, and Philip felt the marriage would also help the children. But to what extent this marriage benefits them, we must see,” she said with doubt.

The couple was on their honeymoon, and Elizabeth eagerly anticipated their return. She wondered if it would impact her in any way.

In a week, the children warmed up to her. As much as she wanted to shower them with love and affection, she also wanted to do justice to her role as their governess.

The children had a nanny, Mrs. Davidson; she was pleased with Elizabeth.

“Miss Smith, I am so glad you have taken this position. The children are comfortable with you,” she said one day.

“I am happy to be here too,” she replied.

“I have been with them since their birth and still cannot digest the death of their mother. Lady Sophia was a wonderful mother.”

“How did it happen?” Elizabeth asked out of curiosity.

“None of us know. It happened the next day after a ball. Servants found her lying near the stairs in the early hours. Her head had a deep wound, and she was dead when we found her. Nobody knew how she fell. I still cannot forget what the family went through then.”

“It is so unfortunate. Edmund told me he wanted to travel with his father.”

“Oh yes! I have tried my best to explain it to them. How do you explain to a five-year-old that his father is on a honeymoon, and he cannot accompany him?”

Elizabeth sighed and could not stop forming an ill opinion about Lord Ashton even before she met him.

Why did he have to remarry so soon? If it is for his children, why leave for so many weeks to enjoy a honeymoon? I wonder how his new wife is.

She found Lady Martha to be an excellent mistress. The household ran systematically, and the staff and servants were all happy and proud to serve there. Elizabeth had a well-furnished room and the assistance of a young maid.

She had the freedom to explore the nearby trails and was grateful for it.

One morning, she sat with Lady Martha in the breakfast parlor when a servant brought a letter.

“Oh! This is indeed a surprise.” Lady Martha exclaimed after reading it.

“Miss Smith, do you remember I mentioned the Darcys?”

“Oh yes! You mentioned Pemberley.”

“I told you Mr. Darcy and his sister were away. But he writes to me now, stating his sister is back in Derbyshire. She is such a sweet child and I think she will enjoy your company. I must introduce you both. We have many friends here, but Georgiana and Fitzwilliam are like my children. I was very close to their mother.”

Elizabeth listened keenly to Lady Martha. She understood that the children were also fond of Mr. Darcy, as they often mentioned him during the lessons. As soon as she read the letter, Lady Martha left for Pemberley to visit Georgiana.

Darcy sent Georgiana back to Pemberley and left for town. After the unfortunate incident, the siblings had hardly spoken to each other in Ramsgate.

Fitzwilliam hates me. Georgiana thought on her way back to Derbyshire

I let that scoundrel harm my innocent sister. I have failed her.

Darcy thought when he reached town. He had written to Richard about the events in Ramsgate and awaited the conversation he was to have with his cousin about Wickham with distress.

He wanted Wickham arrested, but he knew he could not do that unless he exposed his connection with Georgiana.

***

When Lady Martha reached Pemberley, she was troubled to see a forlorn Georgiana.

“What is it, my dear? I know you feel lonely without your brother. Are you unwell?”

“I am just tired,” she replied.

“Fitzwilliam wrote to me.”

“What …What did brother say?” Georgiana asked in horror.

“He merely stated that he would not be back for a couple of months. He has asked me to take you to Ashton Park if you feel lonely here.”

“Oh!”

“Do you want to come with me today? The children would love to see you.”

Georgiana did not feel like being in anyone’s company. She convinced Lady Martha that she would visit the children soon. Darcy had given the housekeeper orders that she was not allowed any visitors except Lady Martha and her family, as the bond between the two families was strong.

Darcy wanted Georgiana to be around people who would keep her safe, and he knew Ashton Park was the only place he could let her stay. Little did he know she would form a strong friendship with someone employed there.

The first time Elizabeth and Georgiana met was at the church. Elizabeth was reminded of Mary when she saw Georgiana and found her to be very reserved.

On the other hand, Georgiana liked Elizabeth’s pleasant and kind demeanor. She felt something genuine in how Elizabeth conversed and had found that aspect lacking in many people introduced to her.

She did not flatter her as other women did.

Georgiana often wondered why she had fallen in love with Wickham.

He had been kind to her and showered his time and attention on her in Ramsgate, not once mentioning her wealth or status.

She later realized that he was already aware of her dowry and had planned to deceive her cunningly.

Strangely Georgiana wanted to meet Elizabeth again and paid a visit to Ashton Park, and Lady Martha was happy to see her.

“I am so glad you finally came, Georgiana. The children will be delighted to see you, and I think they have finished their lessons,” she said, leading Georgiana upstairs.

They heard the sound of laughter from the study room.

“Well, you both are lucky to have a governess who allows you to laugh like that,” Lady Martha said, smiling at her grandchildren.

“It is good to see you again, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said.

“You too, Miss Smith,” Georgiana said, smiling. The children were excited to see Georgiana after a long time.

Lady Martha admired how Elizabeth drew out the shy girl, and Elizabeth learned that Georgiana had a keen interest in music.

Her interests are so similar to Mary’s. When will I ever see Mary again?

Georgiana did not realize how swiftly time had passed with Elizabeth’s company. Lady Martha encouraged her to stay for the night, and she readily agreed.

That evening, Elizabeth and Georgiana spent time in the music room.

“You play well, Miss Smith,” Georgiana said after hearing Elizabeth play.

“You flatter me, please do not. I am not offended by criticism,” Elizabeth said playfully.

“No. I am being honest. You give yourself very little credit, I must say.”

“Mary also used to say the same,” Elizabeth said and bit her lips.

“Mary?”

“She is an acquaintance in town. I think we must leave for supper,” Elizabeth said, diverting the topic.

Georgiana enjoyed her supper with Lady Martha and Elizabeth, and for the first time in many weeks, she felt at ease. She understood that Elizabeth had no immediate family and felt sad for her.

The next day, she left, knowing how lonely it would be in Pemberley.

“You must visit Pemberley, Miss Smith. Please do bring her,” she pleaded to Lady Martha.

“I shall,” Lady Martha said, admiring their blossoming friendship.

As Georgiana left, they received a letter from Lord Ashton.

“So finally, they are returning. They will be here in a couple of days,” Lady Martha said to Elizabeth and the children.

“Papa is coming back, Emily,” Edmund cried with joy.

As much as Elizabeth was happy for the children, she felt nervous about meeting the couple.

She did not know why, but she realized that she internally feared being in the company of a male in the household. The memory of the incident in Mr. Brooks’s house haunted her.

No, Elizabeth. Not all men are like Mr. Dean.

But she knew there were men like him everywhere.

Yes! Especially those who ruin innocent women like my mother.

She said to herself, awaiting the return of the newlyweds.