Page 126 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth had not considered it but felt it was sensible. She understood it would not be appropriate to stay with Darcy and did not doubt that Charlotte would receive her with joy.
“I am happy to stay here until I leave. I am uncertain about what is in store for me in town. Honestly, I do not have much hope in unraveling my past.”
“Do not worry; my instinct says you will discover the truth. Now, I plan to keep your engagement to myself until the ball. You both have given me the luxury to witness the surprised faces that evening.”
However, Lady Martha could see that Elizabeth was worried.
“My dear, I shall not have you ruin your happiness by thinking about what people would say here. The folks in town may have some objections to this marriage, most of which I attribute to the fact that none of the girls there could impress Fitzwilliam. As for Derbyshire, I assure you, people will be happy that he is finally getting married to someone he loves.”
Elizabeth felt reassured by her words.
“I have not said this before, but since the day I stepped into Ashton Park, you have done so much for me. If not for you, I would have never met Mr. Darcy.”
“But you will not meet him again without a chaperone. And since no one else knows about your relationship, I take the liberty of being your chaperone, at least till you announce your engagement,” she said teasingly.
Elizabeth laughed and felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The day passed swiftly, and she packed for her stay in Pemberley. Elizabeth longed to see Georgiana, as she was certain Darcy had conveyed the news to his sister. Everyone was excited about the harvest ball, but Lady Isabella looked withdrawn and expressed no interest. Lady Martha had helped Elizabeth pick a gown for the ball, as Charlotte had bought her a couple of rich ones to wear for social gatherings. Elizabeth was also grateful when Lady Martha offered to buy her something new if she wanted her to.
"Elizabeth, you are my responsibility until your marriage. I may have to fight with your aunt to do my part regarding your wedding preparations. Since you are getting married here, I will consider it a family affair, and please trust me, my son would feel the same way,” she said, making Elizabeth emotional.
Miss Anderson and her mother expressed their delight in staying at Pemberley during dinner. They assumed Darcyexpressed his partiality to Miss Anderson by asking them to stay as guests.
Elizabeth could hardly sleep that night, and it was the same case with Darcy. Georgiana and Darcy spent time discussing the intended trip to town that day, and Georgiana could not wait for Elizabeth to become a part of their family.
The next morning, after breakfast, the party left Ashton Park. The children were extremely excited about the ball, and Miss Anderson openly expressed her happiness in spending time with the Darcys. Elizabeth wondered how she would take to the news of her engagement. However, she cared nothing about what anyone else would think; Lady Martha's acceptance meant the world to her. She tried to compose herself as the carriage entered Pemberley.
Darcy and Georgiana welcomed them with warmth. It took every bit of resolve on Darcy’s part to act formally with Elizabeth, and she felt the same way. They both noticed Lady Martha’s teasing look, witnessing their struggle. As for Georgiana, the young girl could not suppress her joy upon seeing Elizabeth. As the housekeeper led the women to the parlor for tea, Georgiana pulled Elizabeth away from them and hugged her tightly.
“Can I call you Elizabeth, at least now?” she asked with excitement.
“Of course, Georgiana,” Elizabeth cried with equal excitement.
“I cannot tell you how happy I was to hear the news from Fitzwilliam yesterday. You will make him very happy, and I cannot wait for your marriage.”
Elizabeth held Georgiana’s hand joyfully, and they hurried into the parlor to join the others. Meanwhile, Darcy felt out of place among the men and was impatient for the ball to announce their engagement.
When she arrived, he had seen Elizabeth only for a few minutes and later saw her during dinner. Georgiana made certain that Elizabeth was seated next to Darcy at the table, much to the irritation of Miss Anderson. Both struggled to eat, and Lady Martha watched them with amusement. Darcy could no longer bear it and was glad when dinner was finally over.
After lunch, the older women left to rest, and Georgiana suggested a walk in the gardens, and Miss Anderson joined her. Elizabeth wanted to check on the children and planned to join them later. She headed to the nursery and somehow missed the stairs to the family wing and stood confused. She tried to return to the lower floor but reached the other end of the house. Elizabeth had stayed only for a day at Pemberley before and felt lost in the vast house. As she stood, she heard a voice behind her.
“Do you need my assistance, madam?”
She slowly turned around and faced Darcy, who stood by the stairs smiling at her. He had followed her with the hope of talking to her in privacy.
“I… I am trying to find the way to the nursery,” she replied, taking a deep breath.
Darcy did not speak; it seemed ages since he had seen her alone.
He took a few steps forward, and Elizabeth gasped.
“I am happy to take you there. However, if you wish to get rid of me, I can give you directions,” he said calmly.
His eyes spoke volumes of how he felt in her presence.
“Mr. Darcy, I just need directions at present,” she replied, faking annoyance.
“You need to return the stairs down the hallway and take the stairs on the left that lead to the family wing. I am certain you will be able to find your way from there.”
Elizabeth nodded and quickly tried to get away from him, but as she crossed him, he held her hand.
