Page 121 of The Governess of My Heart
During lunch, she sat beside Mr. Anderson, and Darcy sat beside Georgiana and Lady Martha. Elizabeth found it extremely difficult to concentrate on her plate. The conversation circled around the ball.
“We are delighted to be a part of the harvest ball this year, Mr. Darcy. I thank you once again for your invitation to stay in Pemberley. Beatrice has particularly enjoyed calling on Miss Darcy in your absence to provide company,” Lady Anderson said.
Miss Anderson smiled at Darcy, hoping to gain his affection.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy, your estate is so grand, and Miss Darcy gave me a tour of the whole house. We enjoy spending time with each other,” declared Miss Anderson.
Georgiana looked at her brother, and Darcy immediately understood that was not the case. The truth was, Georgiana was left with no choice but to entertain Miss Anderson, the few times she had called on her in Pemberley.
Darcy was used to women trying to woo him all the time, but with Elizabeth in the same room, he felt highly irritated by Miss Anderson’s intentions.
“I am glad to have all of you stay with us this year,” he said, looking at Lord Anderson.
“The children are very excited to be a part of the celebration, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Martha said, and it was agreed that they would stay in Pemberley a couple of days before the ball. The harvest ball was planned that Sunday. As for Darcy, he was fighting to spend time with Elizabeth away from the others. Georgiana and Darcy left after dinner.
Darcy bowed to her formally before he left, and Elizabeth could sense his struggle. She passed the day restlessly, waiting in anticipation for the next morning.
In the evening, she wrote letters to Mary and Charlotte. Elizabeth wanted Charlotte to be aware of her engagement as well. Meanwhile, Darcy paced restlessly in his chamber that evening, feeling happiness and distress in equal measure. He wanted to claim Elizabeth’s hand without delay and give her the life she deserved. It was unnerving for him to spend time in her company, keeping their engagement a secret. Darcy was impatient for the following day, as they had decided to meet on the same trail. Both of them spent a restless night, and as the morning dawned, Elizabeth left as early as possible to meet him. The air was colder, and she hoped it would not rain.
As expected, Darcy waited for her near the stream. He looked earnest as he saw her approach. Elizabeth slowly walked towards him, trying to compose herself, but Darcy stood rooted.
She reached him and stood without saying a word. Darcy wanted to pull her into his arms but controlled himself.
“How have you been, Elizabeth?” he asked, fighting the urge to touch her cheek.
“As well as you saw me yesterday,” she said with a smile.
Darcy held out his hand, and Elizabeth took it.
“Are you well?” she inquired, seeing his tired face.
“No, I am not well. Every moment away from you is torture; I cannot begin to explain how hard it is for me to keep our engagement a secret,” he said with torment.
“I understand; trust me, I feel the same way.”
“Then tell me, how long do you want us to suffer? I misjudged my own sentiments in this matter; I do not know how long I can endure this pain.”
“I am so sorry, but I feel we need this time. I thought about what you said yesterday. Do you want to confront my parents?”
“I do. I absolutely do.”
“Then maybe we can head to town and meet my uncle. As I said, he is my guardian, even though I did not want to stay withhim. He came to Ashton Park a few months ago and requested that I leave with him. I declined, even though he was sincere in his words; the fact he despised my mother made me make that choice. But I do not hold him in contempt; my aunt is why I could employ myself in Ashton Park.”
“Do you need his consent for our marriage?”
“No, but I do not want to get married without the only family I have.”
“I understand.”
Elizabeth and Darcy sat down by the stream. She quickly explained the letter she had discovered in the jewel box and the mystery surrounding her mother.
“My parents would never tell us the truth of what happened to my mother. When I inquired with my uncle, he mentioned the same details. But someone must know.”
“We will find the truth. I will take every action on my part to unravel the details. Elizabeth, it is a matter concerning both of us now. Are you willing to marry me after that?”
“Yes, I will. I understand that there is a very slight chance that we may discover the truth. I am so grateful that you are doing this for me.”
“For us,” Darcy corrected.
