Chapter 12: Ashton Park
It was a week since Elizabeth had arrived at Derbyshire.
She had settled down amiably in Ashton Park, taking responsibility as the governess of the grandchildren of Lady Martha. They were the children of her only son, Lord Philip.
The children were twins, a boy and a gir,l 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 never recovered." 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. It is cruel to lose their mother at such an age." She said and paused. She knew from her aunt that they had a stepmother.
"Well, you may already know, but my son remarried last month. She was a friend of Sophia."
"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. He loved Sophia dearly." Lady Martha said with feeling.
Elizabeth could sense that she disapproved of the match.
"But he wanted to remarry, citing the benefit of the children. To what extent this marriage benefits them, we must see." She said with doubt.
The couple was on their honeymoon.
Elizabeth anticipated their return and wondered if it would impact her in any way.
In a week, the children had warmed up to her. As much as she wanted to shower her love and affection on them, she 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 up this position. The children are comfortable with you." She said one day.
"I am happy to be here too." She said.
"I have been with them since their birth. I still cannot digest the death of their mother. Lady Sophia was a wonderful mother. I thought she would recover, but fate took her."
"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 unconscious, but alive. Nobody knew how she fell. The poor woman died after a couple of weeks. I still cannot forget the state of the children in those weeks."
"It is so unfortunate. Today morning Edmund told me that 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.
She could not stop forming an ill opinion about Lord Philip even before she met him.
Why did he have to remarry so soon? If it is for his children then why leave for so many weeks to enjoy a honeymoon? I wonder how the 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 she had the assistance of a young maid.
She had the freedom to explore the nearby trails. She was grateful for it.
One morning, she sat with Lady Martha in the breakfast parlour 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 Darcy's?"
"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. I think she will enjoy your company. I must introduce you both. We have many friends here, but Georgiana and Fitzwilliam are like my own 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.
Lady Martha left for Pemberley the same morning to visit Georgiana.
Darcy had sent Georgiana back to Pemberley and left for town. The siblings had hardly spoken to each other in Ramsgate after the unfortunate incident.
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. He awaited the conversation he was to have with his cousin about Wickham with distress.
He wanted to get Wickham arrested, but he knew there was no way of doing 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 orders to the housekeeper that she was not allowed any visitors except Lady Martha and her family. 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 that 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.
Georgiana, on the other hand liked Elizabeth's pleasant and kind demeanor. She felt something genuine in the way Elizabeth conversed.
She had found that aspect lacking in many people introduced to her.
They were either flattering towards her, her brother, or their estate. She 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.
She wanted to meet Elizabeth again and paid a visit to Ashton Park.
Lady Martha was happy to see her.
"I am so glad you came, Georgiana. The children will be delighted to see you. I think they have finished their lessons." She led 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 the way Elizabeth drew out the shy girl. 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 realise how swiftly time passed with Elizabeth's company. Lady Martha encouraged her to stay for the night and she readily agreed.
Both 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 less credit, I must say."
"Mary also used to say the same." Elizabeth said and bit her lips.
"Mary?"
"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.
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 felt left, knowing how lonely it would be in Pemberley.
"You must visit Pemberly, Miss Smith. Please do bring her." She pleaded to Lady Martha.
"I shall." Lady Martha said, admiring the blossoming friendship between them.
As Georgiana left, they received a letter from Lord Philip.
"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 realised that she internally feared being in the company of a male in the household.
The memory of the incident in Mr Brook's house haunted her.
No, Elizabeth. Not all men are like Mr Dean. She thought.
But she knew there were men like him everywhere.
Yes! Especially those who ruin innocent women like my mother.
She said to herself and awaited the return of the newlyweds.