Page 112 of The Governess of My Heart
“I am certain it is not as grand as the one in your estate or Netherfield, but it has been my eldest daughter’s favorite place in the house. I do not read much, and my eldest daughter collected all books here,” he proudly said, and Darcy was impressed.
“This is a well-stocked library, sir,” he said as he browsed the books. He found a lot of poetry.
“Ah! Those are all Charlotte’s favorites. She had a good time reading and discussing books with Miss Liz... I mean, a close friend here,” he said.
Darcy noticed that Sir William’s composure changed suddenly as he stammered.
“I can leave you here if you would love to enjoy a few moments of solace,” he said and left him.
Darcy could not understand his behavior and was glad to spend some time alone, away from the hustle and bustle of the gathering. He opened one of the books and stopped abruptly after reading a couple of pages. Darcy could not believe his eyes. He stood rooted to the spot as his world froze, and at that precise moment, the library door opened.
***
A week later, Elizabeth sat in the parlor with Lady Martha and the others. She could not escape the company of the Andersons, as there were no lessons for the children during the weekends.
“Is Georgiana not visiting today?” Lady Martha asked Elizabeth, and before she could reply, her niece answered.
“Oh! Yes, Miss Darcy promised she would visit us today. I admire all that she is doing for the ball in the absence of Mr. Darcy. I wish he could return soon.”
“Perhaps Miss Darcy would not feel so lonely if he married. What do you say, sister?” Lady Anderson asked.
“Well, I think Fitzwilliam’s marriage will bring about a lot of happiness not only to Georgiana but to all of us,” Lady Martha replied.
“He looks up to your words. Why have you not advised him to settle down soon? There are many young women in your sight for you to recommend,” she said, looking at her daughter, and Miss Anderson blushed.
“Yes, he looks up to me, but I do not interfere in his personal affairs to recommend suitable brides for him, and neither is he a person who would blindly take my recommendations,” Lady Martha replied with a smile. She knew the intentions of her sister and niece, and as much as she would have been happy to have Darcy become related through the marriage, she knew he never favored her niece. She had observed enough of his struggle in society to deal with women who hounded him everywhere to marry him for his wealth and status.
Elizabeth found the entire exchange amusing; she always admired the way Lady Martha handled people like Lady Anderson.
As expected, Georgiana arrived and beamed with happiness as she entered the room. Before she could say anything, the entire room was stunned by the entry of Darcy, who followed her.
For Elizabeth, seeing him after so many weeks was the shock of a lifetime, and she could not control her emotions. She tried her best to hide her happiness and tears and hoped no one would notice her state.
Darcy’s eyes were fixed on Elizabeth since he entered the room. Miss Anderson sat next to her, and she assumed he was looking at her.
“Fitzwilliam, good heavens. When did you return?” Lady Martha asked in surprise.
“I returned this morning.”
“Georgiana did not mention anything about it.”
“She was not aware,” he said calmly.
“Yes, Lady Martha. He surprised me this morning, and I cannot tell you how happy I am.”
Darcy greeted Lady Anderson and her daughter.
“It is indeed wonderful to see you again, Mr. Darcy. Beatrice and Miss Darcy have been inseparable in recent days,” Lady Anderson said.
“I hope you are doing well; your sister has missed your company, and I have been eager for your arrival as well,” Miss Anderson said, smiling at him.
Elizabeth could not breathe; she felt suffocated, unable to hold her emotions.
And finally, Darcy turned to her, and she struggled to meet his eyes.
“I hope you are doing well, Miss Smith,” he said formally; there was no emotion in his voice.
“I thank you, yes,” she replied, unable to say anything more. Had she known of his arrival, she would have been better prepared, but now, she struggled to hide her happiness, and a thousand questions raced through her mind.
