Page 171 of The Governess of My Heart
“I could never think ill of her. After becoming aware of this secret, I am only concerned about her welfare. Her parents may do anything for money, but I am disgusted by the truth. I told Darcy we wanted to get married soon, and now I plan to do so without wasting time. I am uncomfortable allowing Mary to stay there. As you say, I am very proud of what she has done, and to have lived in the same house all these monthswith such toxic people must have been heartbreaking. She has nothing but compassion for people around her. I am so glad to have her as my wife, and congratulations to you and Darcy.”
Elizabeth was relieved and grateful to hear his words. She was thrilled for Mary, and from the words in her letters, she had always doubted that she had fallen in love with Mr. Bingley.
“We will be happy to attend your wedding and then leave for Derbyshire for ours. You both can accompany us along,” Darcy said.
“When are you planning to confront the Bennets?” he asked.
“Very soon, we are trying to find Mrs. Lewis, and I am certain we will have enough evidence to punish them for what they did.”
“Mr. Bingley, how is she? I have missed her so much. I am certain she must be very happy now to have your love and support,” Elizabeth asked.
“She is well, and I hope I can give her the happiness she deserves. Your sister has remarkable qualities, Miss Elizabeth, and I need not emphasize her compassion and kindness to you. I will wait for your arrival. I extend the invitation to Lord Anderson and Miss Elizabeth’s uncle to stay at Netherfield. I plan to return to Hertfordshire today; I want to be by Mary’s side.”
“Please inform her that we will visit soon,” Elizabeth told Mr. Bingley.
“I will and do not worry about anything,” Mr. Bingley said and left them.
“Did you know that he was engaged to Mary?” Elizabeth asked Darcy once he took leave.
“No! Both of us surprised each other today declaring our engagements. But I must say Bingley got the shock of his life when I related that you were Mary’s sister.”
“He seems too good for the world,” Elizabeth said and smiled.
“He is, and they will make a wonderful pair. I am certain they will be wed before we return to Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth, however, was in deep thought.
“Are you worried about how things would transpire when we visit Longbourn?”
“I am, as I am certain now that she forged these letters. I feel she did not want my mother to be happy, which is why she did it. But even if you think that way, how could one be so cruel to their sibling? When I think about it, she tried to do the same to me; she wanted to ruin my life as well,” she cried with distress.
“Considering how Mr. Bennet treated you, I will not be surprised if he is involved as well,” Darcy said.
“I am worried, and honestly, I am scared. Once the truth comes out, I do not know how many people will get hurt.”
“You need to trust me; I will not allow anyone innocent to get hurt. But those guilty will not be spared, and Lord Anderson feels the same way.”
“It is amusing; he is the one topping the list,” Elizabeth laughed. Darcy stared at her without uttering a word, relishing in the joy he experienced while she laughed, making her blush.
“Why are you looking at me so?” she asked.
“How am I looking at you?” he asked, his gaze making her shiver. Charlotte’s words echoed in her mind, and she suddenly wondered where Georgiana was.
“Are you searching for the innocent Chaperone?” he asked.
“I…well…”
“She must be in the music room,” he said, holding the door for her to walk out. Elizabeth composed herself, not wanting him to sense her feelings.
“I wish you could stay with us. I feel so bored without you,” Georgiana said with regret as they sat by the pianoforte.
“I miss you too. Will you play for me?” Elizabeth asked, enjoying listening to Georgiana as she played.
Darcy sat in silence, admiring the bond between the sisters.
I cannot tell you how much your absence affects me.
Now that his friend was contemplating a date for his marriage, Darcy was impatient to make plans for his own. However, he did not want Elizabeth to feel pressured or guilty and decided to keep his thoughts to himself. Darcy half-heartedly prepared to take Elizabeth back to Charlotte’s house; when she left, Elizabeth searched for Lord Anderson, and the housekeeper informed her that he was not home.
