Page 132 of The Governess of My Heart
Lady Anderson froze upon hearing his words.
“Listen to me, Augusta. The Darcys deserve an apology from you both. Some people witnessed your unfortunate display, and I will not let us ruin our relationship with Mr. Darcy. Come down with me now.”
“For what? To congratulate them? Can you not see your daughter’s state? She is devastated. Poor girl, she imagined tobe the mistress of Pemberley. This is unfair. Won’t you not do anything?”
Lord Anderson was fed up and tried his best to convince his wife and daughter, but both were adamant.
“Mamma, I even made friends with his sister, although she always talks about books and music. I spent so much of my time with her. Why did he not propose to me? Why did he have to do this?”
“Do not cry, Beatrice, dear. Your father will not do anything, but I will. I will ensure he understands what sort of a woman he plans to marry, a nobody, a servant with no social standing,” she cried and stood.
Her husband stopped her from stomping out of the room.
“Listen to me. I will not allow you to ruin their night anymore. You are not to leave this room, and we will leave Pemberley at first light. I do not know why we traveled here this year; both of you see nothing but wealth. Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy sees character and intelligence, and I am humiliated by your display today. I warn you, if you try anything untoward, you will face my wrath,” he cried and left the room. He wanted to head to the ballroom but was not in a state to be among the others. He headed to his room and poured a glass of wine.
The way his family had behaved distressed him beyond measure. However, he was extremely surprised by Darcy’s sudden announcement.
He must really love her.
In truth, he felt very happy for Elizabeth, not just because she was marrying well; he could sense that she was marrying for love. He poured another glass of wine, understanding he had to show up downstairs soon. He did not want to embarrass his sister as well.
By the time he reached the ballroom, it was half past twelve. Most of the guests had left, but the tenants still danced, not wanting the night to end.
Lord Anderson searched for his sister and spotted Lady Martha with Georgiana. She inquired about her niece and sister.
“I apologize, they did cause a scene, but I assure you, not many noticed them.”
“Mark, I do not know what to say. Please do not mistake my intentions; I knew Beatrice and Augusta favored this match. I often hinted that Fitzwilliam was not inclined to marry for status, and I did not know they had hoped for his proposal. I was aware of his engagement a couple of days ago, and we decided to keep it between us until this evening, which is why I did not inform you. I did not even tell Philip; you can ask him.”
“I do not doubt you. I am truly happy for her. Mr. Darcy is a fine gentleman, and I am certain they will be happy.”
Just then, Darcy joined them. Lord Anderson congratulated him and mentioned that his wife and daughter had retired for the night, and Darcy did not question further.
“Where is Miss Smith?” Lord Anderson asked, wanting to congratulate her.
“She was conversing with one of the tenants.” They spotted her standing by the refreshments at the end of the room.
Lord Anderson and Darcy excused themselves and walked towards her. However, the housekeeper interrupted Darcy regarding one of the guests, and Lord Anderson walked towards Elizabeth, as Darcy was in a deep discussion with Mrs. Reynolds.
Elizabeth had a great evening, but she was tired from all the dancing. Darcy had requested that she retire if she was tired, but she did not want to. She wanted to stay with Georgiana and Darcy until the end of the night.
Lord Anderson’s sudden arrival surprised her. She turned around and looked at him in surprise as he addressed her.
“Miss Smith, allow me to offer you my heartiest wishes for your engagement with Mr. Darcy. I am truly delighted with the news; congratulations,” he said.
“I thank you, sir,” she replied, wondering where his family was.
“If I may ask, when is the wedding?”
“We have not decided on a date yet, and I hope you can stay until then.”
“I am not certain. We plan to return to Scotland next week as I have a business to attend to...” Lord Anderson could not complete his sentence.
His eyes fell on the chain she wore, and he could not believe his eyes. When he saw the emerald pendant, he froze, and Elizabeth could not make anything of his countenance.
“Sir, forgive me, you were saying?” she asked in confusion.
Lord Anderson looked at her with a ghastly expression.
