Page 123 of The Governess of My Heart
“We have a few more days before you come to stay in Pemberley. Are you ready to disclose our engagement to Lady Martha before that?” Darcy asked eagerly.
“She must be the first to know, along with Georgiana.”
“Of course, and can we announce our engagement to the rest during the ball.”
Elizabeth did not know what to say; every single action of Darcy made her realize the depth of his affection.
“I do not know what to say. Will it be appropriate?”
“Absolutely, it is the right way to announce our engagement. However, I will speak to Lady Martha and Georgiana before that. We can leave for town after the ball. I plan to write to mycontacts in town before requesting their assistance to find out the truth about your mother.”
Elizabeth gave him details about the Gardiner family.
“My mother was the youngest, and my aunt says she was my grandfather’s favorite child. My uncle has no idea about my father; he claims he was away learning trade. He told me that she refused to reveal who my father was and said that I was born out of wedlock.”
“You mentioned that your uncle inherited your grandfather’s business.”
“Yes, my aunt mentioned that my grandfather’s business was running at a loss. Hence, my uncle had traveled to learn a new trade. He was absent from home for almost two years, and that is when my mother met someone in town. They do not know anything else.”
“There must be more to the story, and someone must know the truth. Do not worry; we will find out. I want to take you to Hertfordshire, and this time, Mr. Bennet will have to pay for all his misdeeds. I am not going to spare Mr. Collins either. I admire your strength in all this. Despite facing so much in your past, you have given only happiness to the people around you here.”
“All except you. I still cannot forgive myself for the hurtful things I said during your proposal,” she said in a small voice.
Darcy held Elizabeth’s hand to his chest.
“I can never forget your countenance that day. Even though you firmly declared that you hated me, your eyes expressed the opposite. The look of guilt and helplessness disguised in anger made me question your words. I wish you had opened up to me that day and trusted me. I have nothing but love for you. You are my world, Elizabeth, and I cannot imagine a life without you. When I hear your story, I am so proud of your courage. Not many would have the strength and maturity you have for your age.”
“I…I have something else to confess.”
Darcy looked at her with confusion.
“I would not be alive today if not for you.”
“What do you mean?” Darcy asked in shock.
Feeling guilty, Elizabeth, explained how she had almost jumped off the cliff a few seconds before their first meeting. She watched the horror on Darcy’s face as she narrated her temperament that morning, and his grip on her hand tightened as she spoke.
“Good God!” he finally cried, understanding that he would have lost her forever.
“I am so sorry. I do not know what came over me that morning. It was an impulsive decision, and when I heard your voice, I realized the blunder I had almost committed.”
Without thought, Darcy pulled her into his arms and could not speak for a long time.
“Fitzwilliam?” she said in a small voice, feeling protected in his arms. It was the first time she had addressed him so, but Darcy could not rejoice. The very thought of Elizabeth wanting to end her life horrified him.
“Please be honest with me. Have you attempted it again?” he asked with agony.
“I have not. You must believe me; that moment has passed,” she cried.
“That day, I felt I had nothing to live for. I could not forget my past, but now I have you. I love you and would never dream of hurting you in any way.”
“Elizabeth, I will never let anyone harm you ever. Promise me that you will never think in that direction.”
“I promise you, I will not. I know how much you love me, and I will never do anything to hurt you again. I want to live for our love and happiness,” she said earnestly.
“I trust you,” he said, deeply concerned about her welfare.
It was time for them to leave, but Darcy was not ready to let her out of his sight. Elizabeth promised him that she would meet him the next morning. As they began to understand each other better, he finally understood her reasoning for having a few days to themselves.
