Rebecca gave her a few minutes to rest while she organized her things, she wanted to give the Lady a book to read. As Elysia watched the woman, she could not help but think about why the governess chose to work as one instead of getting married, Miss Rebecca was a beautiful woman with high intelligence, many men would have lined up to court her. Elysia's curiosity had grown over time, and today, she found the courage to ask.
"Miss Rebecca," Elysia called out, her voice hesitant, "There is something I want to ask you, but it is somewhat personal."
Rebecca's brow raised slightly, but she nodded, inviting the question. "Very well, Lady Elysia, what is it that you wish to ask?"
"I would really like to know why you would chose to be a governess instead of getting married?" Elysia's words hung in the air, delicate and unsure.
For a moment, Rebecca remained silent, her gaze drifting toward the window as if seeking answers in the clouds. When she spoke, her voice remained calm.
Miss Rebecca said softly, her eyes meeting Elysia's. "Marriage is not the only path for a woman, though it is often portrayed as such."
Elysia blinked at the governess's response. "But isn't marriage... expected? For women of your standing?"
Rebecca smiled, though it was tinged with a touch of sadness. "It is. Many expect a woman of my rank to marry, bear children, and manage a household. But I chose differently." She paused, her hands resting gently in her lap. "My life, Lady Elysia, has been shaped by decisions I chose."
Elysia tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "What kind of decisions?"
Rebecca leaned back in her chair, her eyes growing distant as memories resurfaced. "When I was younger, there was always this belief that my life would follow a certain path. Find a respectable man, get married, bear children and take care of his household." She paused, her voice growing softer with the memory. "But I wanted more than that, I wanted more than what society had laid out for me. I wished to travel, to learn, to see the world beyond the confines of a husband's estate."
Elysia listened intently, fascinated by her governess words. "And you chose not to marry because of that?"
"Yes," Rebecca said, nodding. "It was not an easy choice. Society does not look kindly on women who defy its expectations. Many thought me odd and stubborn, some even pitied me. But I knew that marriage for me, would have meant sacrificing parts of myself that I was not willing to give up."
Elysia frowned, thinking of all the tales she had heard of grand marriages and love stories. "But could you not have had both? Marriage and your dreams?"
Her governess smiled gently. "Perhaps, if your dream does not involve you traveling. You see, Lady Elysia, marriage is not merely about love and companionship. It's about duty, compromise, and sometimes, sacrifice. I was not willing to sacrifice the independence I had worked so hard to achieve."
Elysia looked down at her hands, thinking of the woman's words. She had never thought of marriage in such terms. In the tales she had heard, love always triumphed, and marriage was the ultimate happy ending. But Miss Rebecca's perspective was different more real, more complex.
"But are you never lonely?" Elysia asked, her voice quiet.
Rebecca chuckled softly. "At times, yes. Loneliness is part of the human condition, whether you are married or not. But I found solace in my work, in my travels, in the knowledge I gained. I found companionship in friendships, in students like you." She smiled warmly at Elysia. "And in time, I realized that I did not need a husband to complete me."
Elysia's heart swelled with admiration for her governess. "You're very brave, Miss Rebecca."
"Indeed My Lady, but, I must let you on a little secret." Rebecca leaned forward as she whispered. Elysia nodded and leaned closer to the governess. "About feeling lonely, I do entertain myself with the company of men."
Elysia's brows scrunched together in confusion before it dawned on her what the governess meant. "That is scandalous, Miss Rebecca!" Her eyes widened.
Rebecca scoffed lightly, "Is it? A man can have relations with as many women as he please without a single condemnation from the society, but when a woman does the same, it is scandalous."
"That-that is not what I meant Miss Rebecca, forgive me for my sudden outburst." Elysia apologized, not meaning to offend the woman with her words.
"I know, you are still young and naive. You do not understand the way of the society." Rebecca added.
"What is it that you mean?" Elysia inquired.
"The society expects the women to be innocent and naive for their future husband, while they turn their head in another direction when the man fucks anything that moves. Do you not think that is unfair to the women?"
Elysia pressed her lips in a thin line. "It is unfair," She replied.
"That is also another reason I saw no reason to be locked up in a man's household. I do not wish to be controlled by a man, sit at home nursing his children while he spends time with other women. I can never allow that." Rebecca explained, her tone bitter.
"I understand you, but there are good men who would be loyal and kind to you." Elysia said.
A mocking laughter escaped Rebecca's lips. "You are truly naive, Lady Elysia, you truly think there are men who would be loyal to their wives. Do you think the King is a loyal man?"
Her brows arched, she did not like where the conversation was headed to. "I would like to believe he is, the King is not like other men. He is kind and respectful." She said, defending the King.
Her response only caused Rebecca's smile to widen. "Is that what he tells you? I do believe you are a smart young woman My Lady, do not let a beautiful face and sweet words fool you." Her tone firm and cold.
A gentle knock was heard on the door, before a servant walked into the room with a tray. "Good afternoon My Ladies, I have brought tea." She placed it on the table, bowing her head, before she walked out of the room.