Page 124 of The Governess of My Heart
“Georgiana informed me that she would not call on me today. Does that mean I will not see you as well?” Elizabeth asked as they rose to leave.
“You leave me no choice. Or I could take the liberty and call on you without my sister,” he said, smiling. Elizabeth half wished that he would.
Darcy wanted to speak to Lady Martha without delay, and Elizabeth agreed. She was to leave for Pemberley on Thursday, but Darcy decided to meet Lady Martha the day before to discuss this.
We have two more days to ourselves.
Both thought as they separated down the trail.
Chapter 37
Darcy stood before Lady Martha, witnessing the evident shock on her face after his declaration. It was Thursday morning, and the previous days had passed swiftly for Darcy and Elizabeth as they met during the morning walks. They decided to announce their engagement during the ball, and as planned, Darcy had informed Georgiana of the happy news before leaving to meet Lady Martha that morning.
“Oh, brother, I cannot express my happiness. I cannot believe it; she is the most wonderful person I have ever met. I am certain you will be very happy. Congratulations,” she cried and threw herself into her brother’s arms.
Georgiana understood that he must love Elizabeth deeply, as he had never favored any woman in their acquaintance anywhere. In the past few years, she was almost certain that he would never marry, but now she was thrilled with the news. Georgiana did not care about society; she was certain that Darcy would not allow anyone to separate them. Darcy also informed Georgiana of Elizabeth’s original identity and the painful details about her past, and the truth made Georgiana cry.
“How could her parents be so cruel toward her? All these months, she never expressed her sorrow to me, and I cannot believe Mr. Collins to be such a characterless man. I want to see her right away.”
Darcy informed her that he was going to Ashton Park to meet Lady Martha, and Georgiana understood the need to allow them privacy and decided to stay behind.
Now, he stood in the study along with Lady Martha. He had arrived early, aware that the men would be out riding.
“Fitzwilliam, pardon me, did I hear you right?” Lady Martha asked in shock.
“You did. I am engaged to Elizabeth,” he said, feeling content to address her that way.
“Since when?”
“Not long ago; she agreed to marry me a couple of days ago.”
Lady Martha could hardly believe her ears.
“Please understand, except for Georgiana, who became aware this morning, no one else knows.”
“Fitzwilliam, please do not mistake me, but how much do you know of her to offer for her?”
“I know everything; I am aware of her identity,” he said, quickly explaining the past events in Hertfordshire and how he became aware of Elizabeth’s true identity.
“Good heavens! I cannot believe it. I knew she was worried about something a few days ago, but I wish she had told me. Now, what do you plan to do? Are you getting married soon?”
Darcy was inwardly glad that he had the time to discuss everything with Elizabeth before this meeting.
“We plan to head to town after the ball. I have already written to Richard, giving him particulars of Elizabeth’s mother’s family. I am certain we would be able to unravel the truth. Whatever happens, I will stand beside her, and we plan to marry soon. Elizabeth favors getting married in Derbyshire, so we will return and get married here.”
“You seem to have thought everything through thoroughly,” she said, her voice clearly expressing that she was hurt at being sidelined in this affair.
“Yes, we did.”
“I hope you have thought about the scrutiny of society as well.”
“I do not care. Nothing can alter my feelings for her; in my eyes, she is my equal. I have not seen a kind, compassionate,and intelligent woman like Elizabeth in all my life. But since you mentioned it, I would like to know your opinion about the same. Do you care about what society would say about this matter?” he asked.
Lady Martha was silent and battled many emotions within. As much as she was shocked by the news, the probability of Elizabeth leaving Ashton Park saddened her beyond measure. After deep thought, she answered.
“No, I do not care. Honestly, if I ever cared about society, I would have never employed her, as I was well aware that someday she would have to disclose her true identity to the world. When she set foot here, she explained everything honestly and was willing to return to town if I did not favor her. Since that day, she has gained my respect and admiration. Apart from the gossip of you marrying a governess, which we may have to endure for a while, there is nothing anyone can have against her.”
Darcy was relieved to hear her sentiments. He respected Lady Martha, and to him, she was more like a mother, so getting her consent was important.
