Page 175 of The Governess of My Heart
“Well! You may not have known him then, but far away in Pemberley, he would have still been furious with me for putting his future wife in danger,” she said, making Elizabeth laugh.
“I am glad to have you as a friend, Charlotte. When I left Longbourn, my entire world collapsed, but I had you.”
“And I will always be there for you; do not doubt it,” Charlotte promised.
***
Darcy sat with Richard in his study the same night.
“How could that be possible, Richard? You were able to trace her address outside of town, and you stated she moved, but now, no one knows where she is.”
“Well, that is the truth. I have been trying to find answers since you wrote to me. As far as my sources go, Mrs. Lewis lived on the outskirts of town after leaving employment with the Gardiner family. But we do not have any idea about her whereabouts now.”
“Look into it. I am trying to find anyone who might have been close to their family or business who might help.”
“We will solve this, Darcy. I know you are impatient to return to Derbyshire and plan your wedding,” Richard said teasingly.
“And where did you get that idea from? I am not impatient.”
“Is that so? I heard someone was finalizing plans for my parents to travel to Derbyshire.”
“Nothing misses your eye, does it?”
“When it comes to my grumpy cousin, nothing does. I enjoy seeing you this way, love-struck, and still trying to hide your desperation while in her company,” he said, watching his cousin frown.
Darcy retired that night, feeling irritated about not having any solid information about Mrs. Lewis. According to him, it was another night spent in agony away from Elizabeth with uncertainty about the future.
***
The next few days were uneventful, and Elizabeth started feeling apprehensive about her decision to travel to town.
I could have married Fitzwilliam and led a happy life. Now, I have put everyone in distress here.
“Would you like to go shopping? I understand you may not be in the mood to look at dresses for your wedding, but you will enjoy a trip to the bookstore,” Charlotte said, and Elizabethagreed. As they were about to leave, an anxious-looking Darcy entered the room.
“Elizabeth, we need to leave now,” he cried.
“What happened? Where to?”
“Your uncle has asked us to meet him and states it is urgent.”
“Good heavens! Did he find anything about Mrs. Lewis?”
“I do not know, the note does not say.”
“All right, let us leave,” she said, and Charlotte hoped it was good news.
Elizabeth was surprised to see Lord Anderson waiting in the carriage, and she understood from Darcy that her uncle had also requested his presence.
“I hope you are doing well,” Lord Anderson said to her, and she merely nodded.
Everyone felt the tension in the carriage, not understanding what was in store for them.
When they arrived, Mrs. Gardiner welcomed them with a worried face and directed them to the drawing room.
“Aunt, what is wrong?” Elizabeth asked, and the moment they entered the room, they stood still, shocked by the sight before them. Along with her uncle, an older woman sat and slowly stood with the help of her walking stick.
“Good heavens, Edward! She looks just like Sarah,” the old woman remarked, her eyes fixed on Elizabeth.
