Page 130 of The Governess of My Heart
Miss Anderson finally noticed her appearance and felt jealous.
“Mamma, look at her dress. I wonder where she got the funds to purchase that?” she said to her mother with displeasure.
“I have a good idea; your aunt must have bought it for her. I do not know why an employee is given such importance in Ashton Park. I think it is because of the children; she has somehow charmed them, and the entire family holds her in high regard. I cannot stand that girl, an orphan, a nobody who always accompanies us everywhere. I cannot stand her,” she sneered.
Just then, Darcy walked towards the center of the ballroom, and slowly, the conversations died, and there was silence.
Elizabeth held her breath, and finally, the moment arrived.
Darcy knew precisely where she stood and kept his gaze on her, communicating everything he felt, and started his speech.
“I thank you all for being here this evening to be a part of the harvest ball and our family’s tradition of celebrating the hard work put in throughout the harvest season. This celebration is very close to my heart every year as my mother always enjoyed meeting all the tenants during these festivities. Somehow, this year, I miss the presence of my parents more than before. I take this opportunity this evening to make an important announcement.”
He paused, and Elizabeth held her breath. The crowd murmured, unable to wait patiently.
“I have been fortunate to have all of you grace this evening, as most of you have known me since childhood. With great happiness and pride, I announce my engagement with Miss Elizabeth Smith.”
His statement stunned the crowd, and Lady Martha led Elizabeth forward to join Darcy. He held his hand out to her, and she took it, unable to believe the moment.
“Miss Smith and I are engaged and are to be married soon. She has made me the happiest man on earth by accepting my proposal, and we seek all your good wishes for our union.”
The silent crowd slowly started whispering, and Elizabeth feared the worst, but what she heard next caught her off guard.
“We are delighted for you, Mr. Darcy,” yelled someone from the crowd. Elizabeth recognized it as one of the tenants; she had met the family often.
People expressed their wishes one by one, and unanimously, the crowd started clapping in joy.
Elizabeth and Darcy were elated by their response, and Georgiana joined them in congratulating the couple. Lady Martha stepped forward and addressed the gathering.
“I thank all of you for your wishes, and as a close friend of the Darcys, I am truly happy for this engagement. Miss Smith is a part of the Ashton family, and her wedding with Mr. Darcy would be considered a family affair, and we look forward to the wedding preparations.”
Much to everyone’s surprise, Lady Martha hugged Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. Darcy and Elizabeth had just a few seconds to themselves before acquaintances started moving towards them to offer their wishes.
“I love you, Elizabeth. We no longer have to hide our relationship,” Darcy whispered.
“I have no words to say; I am overwhelmed.”
Just then, Lord Ashton and Lady Isabella joined them.
“Fitzwilliam, this is indeed a surprise, and I am certain my mother was aware of your engagement, but I am truly delighted. Congratulations to both of you. Miss Smith, as my mother mentioned, we consider this a wedding of the Ashton family, and we will be in charge of the wedding as the bride’s side.”
Elizabeth was touched by his words and thanked him wholeheartedly. She was surprised when Lady Isabella wished her well without animosity.
“Congratulations, Miss Smith. We will miss your presence in Ashton Park, especially the children,” she said with feeling. Elizabeth was surprised by her words, as they were heartfelt. One by one, Darcy’s acquaintances congratulated them. Edmund and Emily were overjoyed as their nanny explained the news to them. They were too innocent to understand that Elizabeth would not be their governess soon. Georgiana and Lady Martha stood with the couple as they patiently interacted with everyone.
If at all anyone wanted to spread negativity about the match, they were unable to, as Lady Martha’s evident support for the couple ensured that the match was approved by the closest friend of Darcy’s mother.
The wishes from the tenants meant more to Darcy. Most of them were acquainted with Elizabeth, and he could see that they were truly happy for the couple. Lady Martha wondered where Lord Anderson was. Miss Anderson and her mother were also missing from the crowd. Mr. Anderson whispered to her what had happened during the announcement.
Lady Anderson and her daughter had never expected Darcy’s speech to contain the news about his engagement. As he announced his engagement to Elizabeth, Miss Anderson held her mother’s hand, about to faint. They could not believe the news, and as Darcy announced his forthcoming marriage, Miss Anderson fumed inside, not knowing how to react.
She could not contain her anger and disappointment.
“What nonsense is this? He has insulted me. Mother, I cannot believe this,” she cried. Fortunately, the applause started at the same moment, and no one heard her except her father.
“Beatrice, what is wrong with you? I will not have you behave this way,” Lord Anderson warned her.
“Do not dare to utter a word more to my daughter. That man has betrayed her. How could he make this announcement? I will not have it; I must stop this,” Lady Anderson cried.
