Page 142 of The Governess of My Heart
“I hope you can rest, and please trust me, everything will be all right. I am here to support you and finally realize why I felt that genuine connection with you the moment I saw you.”
Elizabeth felt grateful for her words and could not doubt her sentiments.
“I thank you for coming to see me now,” she said, understanding how easily Lady Martha could have taken her brother’s side in the matter.
“Won’t you address me as your aunt?” she asked.
Elizabeth smiled.
“I want to, but if I do, I would accept Lord Anderson as my father. Unfortunately, I cannot, and I am certain I never will.”
Lady Martha sighed and understood her feelings. She hugged her again and kissed her before leaving the room.
When Georgiana closed the door, Elizabeth sank onto the bed, realizing hownaiveshe had been to think she could easily handle thetruthabout her past.
Chapter 42
Lord Anderson sat in the carriage with tension and agony, and the temperament of the rest of the members in his company was no different. Lady Anderson and her daughter sat with contempt, unable to digest the announcement at the ball. They had expected to see Darcy during breakfast, but to their irritation, he was absent and had met them briefly to send them off as they left for Ashton Park. Lady Martha decided to leave later, along with Elizabeth, and stayed behind.
Lady Anderson was enraged to see that Darcy was utterly indifferent to her daughter’s status and beauty and had offered for a governess; as for Miss Anderson, she had to control her tears, understanding she could never be the mistress of Pemberley. Both mother and daughter were so occupied with their feelings that they overlooked the discomposure on Darcy and Lord Anderson’s faces that morning.
As the carriage entered Ashton Park, Lord Anderson finally realized that he had to disclose the secret he had held in his heart for over twenty years to his wife and the rest of the world, the aftermath of which he could not comprehend.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth sat in Georgiana’s room that morning after a traumatic night; Georgiana sat beside her and urged her to eat.
“I wish you could stay here, Lizzy; I also asked Fitzwilliam. He wishes the same, but Lady Martha insists we allow you to leave with her.”
“I understand your concern. Honestly, I do not know what to expect at Ashton Park.”
“If you feel uncomfortable, please do not go. We plan to leave for London soon.”
“I must face the truth, Georgiana, however bitter it may be. But I cannot digest the thought of seeing Lord Anderson again.”
“It is not my place to say this, but there must be an explanation. Lord Anderson’s story does not add up, and if he married your mother, what convinced him to think she married someone else.”
“I will know once I read those letters, and however horrific it is going to be, I must endure the pain to prove my mother’s innocence. You have been truly wonderful to me; I cannot thank you enough for the compassion you have shown me since yesterday.”
“You are my sister now, and even before I learned about your relationship with Fitzwilliam, you were very dear to me.”
“You do not have to declare your affection for me; I am well aware of your regard.”
“Everything may look grim and complicated now, but Fitzwilliam is certain you both can sail through this together, and he cannot wait to marry you.”
“Did you meet him this morning?”
“I did, and he is impatient to see you; he is waiting for you in the library.”
“Is Lady Martha with him?”
“I assume not, but I will stay with you both as a chaperone.”
Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana, grateful to have her support and affection. The reserved young girl she had met months ago had become a confident woman rising to the situation. They headed to the library, where Darcy waited impatiently for them.
It took a lot of resolve on his part to meet the Andersons as they left Pemberley that morning. He knew Elizabeth was to stay in Ashton Park till they departed to London; with the shocking developments since the ball, Darcy was uncertain when that tripwould be. He realized that the man responsible for Elizabeth's misery was not of great temperament either, as Lord Anderson’s eyes expressed sorrow, guilt, and agony in equal measure as they departed. He stood by the window contemplating their situation and felt distressed at the thought of Elizabeth staying away from his care.
How can she face everything alone, even if Lady Martha is on her side? She would have to read those letters; I should be with her.
The arrival of Georgiana and Elizabeth interrupted his thoughts, and Darcy felt a little relieved as Elizabeth smiled at him.
