Page 189 of The Governess of My Heart
For the first time that morning, Elizabeth greeted him when she saw him during breakfast.
“Good morning!” she said, much to Lord Anderson’s astonishment. Darcy and Georgiana looked at each other and smiled.
Lord Anderson handed her into the carriage and nodded at Darcy, understanding his concern.
“Do not worry. If we should get into an argument, I will stop the carriage and call for help,” he said seriously, and Darcy could see from where Elizabeth got her sarcasm.
As they sat together, Elizabeth stared outside the window for about half an hour without saying a word, and Lord Anderson wondered what was on her mind.
Finally, she looked at him, and her eyes were moist.
“How could you disclose that to me? What if I told everyone?” she asked.
“You are the daughter of the woman who died without exposing me to the world, and you expect me to believe that you would be capable of such a thing?” he asked.
Elizabeth struggled to speak as words failed her.
“I understand you want to do the best for me, but have you thought about how it would affect the relationship between you and your family? Whatever said, your future is with them, and I can never be a part of your life.”
“Why not? Tell me one valid reason, Elizabeth, unless you want to lie that you still resent me. I could see it in your eyes; I could feel the change of your sentiments towards me long before our conversation yesterday. I can sense that you are afraid to admit this to yourself and are concerned about our relationship impacting Augusta and Beatrice.”
“Yes, I do not want to hurt anyone else anymore. Your wife can never accept me, and I do not want you to suffer because of this.”
“You seem to think about everyone else except me. Do you think it is easy for me to walk away from you? I missed an entire lifetime with your mother. Do you think I would be able to live with the same mistake again?” he asked.
“I am scared,” Elizabeth finally acknowledged, her voice breaking.
Lord Anderson quickly sat beside her and held her hand to her surprise.
“I promise you, as difficult as everything may seem now, I will do my best not to hurt anyone in this. Do not worry about Augusta or Beatrice; you being my daughter will not change my relationship with them. All I am asking you is to give me a chance,” he pleaded.
Elizabeth stared into his eyes and tried hard not to cry.
“Can I attend your wedding?” he asked with hope.
“Yes, of course,” she said, smiling at him. In her heart, she knew that she had finallyacceptedhim as her father.
Chapter 54
Darcy was relieved to see Elizabeth and Lord Anderson smiling as they emerged from the carriage. During the last half hour of their journey, father and daughter conversed on various other topics rather than their personal lives, and Elizabeth looked forward to spending more time with him. Lady Martha and the rest of the family welcomed them with warmth as the children ran up to Elizabeth with excitement.
“Miss Smith,” they cried as they threw themselves at her.
Elizabeth embraced them joyfully and was happy to see they were well. Lady Isabella and Lord Ashton stood together, and it was clear to Elizabeth that they had resolved their differences.
“It is good to see you return in happy spirits, Miss Smith. We have missed you and my brother here,” Mr. Anderson said.
Lord Anderson excused himself and headed upstairs, understanding his wife and daughter had no intention of receiving them.
“My dearest niece, how have you been? I cannot tell you how much we missed your presence here,” Lady Martha cried.
“I have missed you too. I am glad to be back in Ashton Park,” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“Do not be so joyous. I am certain you will have to miss Ashton Park again in some weeks,” Georgiana said.
“That reminds me, Fitzwilliam. Which date are you inclined towards? You did mention some in your letters.”
“We should be able to decide in a couple of days, and since we have a large party traveling for the wedding, I must make arrangements for the same. And we must be heading to Pemberley now,” he said, finishing his tea.
