Page 18

T he month of June brought an unexpected visitor to Ashton Park, and early one morning, Lady Martha summoned Elizabeth to her study.

Elizabeth halted when she entered the room and could not believe her eyes; her uncle, Mr. Edward Gardiner, stood right before her.

“Uncle Gardiner!” she exclaimed in shock.

“Miss Smith, I shall leave you both now,” Lady Martha said, leaving the room. The moment she left, Mr. Gardiner started his outburst.

“What have you done, Elizabeth? How could you?” Mr. Gardiner cried with anger.

“How could I? What do you accuse me of now, uncle? Pray, tell me.”

“Your aunt says she begged you to live with her in town. Why did you leave? And in disguise? How could you call yourself by another name?”

“What do I call myself then? Miss Bennet? Is that the truth?” she asked, annoyed.

“I know how horrific all this is, but please understand, your aunt’s letters did not reach me on time. Once I learned everything, I immediately set aside my work and traveled to Hertfordshire. Trust me, I did not spare your father and mother, as they have betrayed you and me as well.”

“But you knew the truth about my past; you knew everything. Why didn’t you say anything?” she cried.

“Because I assumed you were happy in Longbourn with your family. I never imagined in my dreams that they treated you so cruelly.”

“I do not want to relive the past; all I need is some answers. I know is that my mother did not disclose any details about who my father was. Is that true?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I loved Sarah so very much. When she was eighteen, I traveled overseas to learn trade to assist your grandfather better in his business. When I returned after a few years, I was shocked to discover that she was with a child.”

“Didn’t my grandfather know any details? “

“No, all he said was it could be someone Sarah was deeply in love with. He informed me that Fanny and Sarah had made several new acquaintances that year. I searched for answers and begged her to tell me the truth, but she never did. She did not trust me then, and you have done the same. How could you deny your aunt’s request to stay with us? ”

“How am I to trust anyone in this world? Please tell me.”

“You can trust us; you should have stayed in my house. “

“I did not want to stay in the house of someone who detested my mother for what she did,” Elizabeth said with anger.

“Yes! I did detest her. I was furious with her for ruining her entire life so easily. I loved her so much. Can you imagine how I felt seeing her like that?”

“Could you imagine how she would have felt? She would have expected you to support her, but all she received from you was spite. Had she trusted you, my mother would have definitely told the truth. Maybe she feared the outcome of her disclosure. Have you ever thought about the reason for her to keep my father’s identity a secret? ”

“Do not tell me I was not supportive of her. I wanted to find out who was responsible for her state and make him pay.”

“See, this why she was afraid to tell you; maybe that is not what she wanted.”

“Whatever has happened has happened. Now that I am here, nobody can hurt you, and Mr. Bennet cannot harm you in any way, nor can he force you to marry that scoundrel. You have to leave with me now.”

“Did you…Did you inform my parents that I am here?” she asked with despair.

“I did not, but be sensible and come with me. This is not a living you have to accustom yourself to.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you, just like my mother. But I cannot.”

“Elizabeth, are you happy here?”

“I am, more than ever.”

“Lady Martha seems to be kind, but she does not seem the forgiving type. Have you thought about the consequences if she discovers your true identity?”

“She is already aware of everything, and I could not be more grateful for her understanding of my situation. I am content being here and do not want to depend on anyone. I want to live on my terms.”

“You are so stubborn, just like your mother,” Mr. Gardiner said, looking at his niece helplessly.

“Your compliment gratifies me. I would also like to thank you for supporting my expenses for all these years.”

“Elizabeth, look at me. I did not send you away with Fanny because of ill will. I was unmarried then, and I could not raise you. Your grandfather died a month after Sarah’s death, and it was the best choice I could make under the circumstances.

Fanny was able to raise you without the scrutiny of society, and I thought you were safe in Longbourn. ”

“I was not, and without Mary’s help, I would have been ruined for life. I am sorry to cause you pain, but your good intentions were of no use. I am not angry with you or anyone. I have accepted who I am and please do not compel me to leave.”

Mr. Gardiner tried his best to convince her, but she denied leaving Ashton Park, and he had no choice but to return to town without her.

“I do not take your decision to be permanent, and I believe someday you will change your mind. When you do, our doors will always be open for you. I want you to get married and live happily, something your mother was deprived of,” he said with emotion before he left her.

Elizabeth could sense the sincerity in his words, but that did not alter her decision.

I thought Uncle Gardiner would give me a better understanding of what happened. My last hope is gone. How will I ever know who my father is? How am I to live with mystery in my head?

She thought about what her uncle had said before he left.

Marriage?

The word was not alien to her as she had heard nothing but talks about marriage for several years in Longbourn. However uncertain her future looked; she was confident about one aspect.

I will never fall in love or get married. That is certain.