Page 194 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth nodded.
“If you think I did not want to, then you are a simpleton. I wanted to; every moment I spent alone with you was a battle of self-control. But I could not act on my wishes as I considered you my sole responsibility then.”
“And what changed now?”
“Well, you have your father to protect you, and I can freely enjoy my pursuits until we are married.”
“I must remind you that my father is a very angry man. If he knows what you did right now, you may have to face his wrath,” she said, playfully pushing him away.
He caught her and pulled her into his arms.
“I cannot wait for you to become a part of this house permanently, and you cannot imagine how lost I feel without you,” he said. Just then, they heard footsteps outside and quickly moved away from each other.
Georgiana entered and looked surprised at her brother’s presence.
“Fitzwilliam, what are you doing here?” she asked innocently.
“He was helping me decide on whether we should go with the peach or lavender tablecloths,” Elizabeth said.
Georgiana looked at him, puzzled, and Darcy immediately left them.
“He is behaving very strange these days,” Georgiana declared, a little worried.
“I assure you I feel the same way,” Elizabeth replied, suppressing her smile.
Chapter 55
Darcy and Lady Martha had a serious discussion a few days before the engagement party, and Elizabeth felt irritated to witness their interaction, unable to convince either of them.
“Do not be so stubborn, Fitzwilliam; I am already acquainted with Mrs. Gardiner, and they are now related to the Ashton family through Elizabeth, and they must stay here,” she argued.
“I already invited them to stay in Pemberley, and they agreed; all the guests are to stay there. I do not think it would be proper to change the plan.”
“Why not? I will personally come to Pemberley and invite them when they arrive. You already have so many guests, and I would like the Gardiner family to stay with us.”
Elizabeth looked at Darcy, who seemed to be irritated.
“Elizabeth, will it be proper for them to stay in Pemberley while you are here? They are the bride’s relations, and when I think about it, Mrs. Davis and her husband should stay here as well,” she declared, looking at Elizabeth for approval.
“Lady Martha, I am not willing to change the plan for my guests, and I am sorry if this upsets you,” Darcy said firmly.
“Look at that; your future husband is so stubborn. I doubt he will ever allow you to stay here after marriage.”
“Why would she have to stay here after marriage?” Darcy asked with irritation.
“Because she is my niece and would like to spend time here too.”
“We will see about that if she feels that way.”
“Fitzwilliam, I cannot believe you are so possessive about her. Blinded by love, you are becoming so unreasonable these days.Pray tell me after her marriage, if Elizabeth wishes to stay here, why won’t you allow it?”
“Because I do not wish to part from her, even for a day,” he cried without thought as he began to feel that Lady Martha wanted to dictate everything about his relationship with Elizabeth.
To his surprise, Elizabeth, unable to suppress her laughter, burst out laughing, and her aunt joined her.
Darcy was confused by their behavior.
“What is so amusing for you to laugh?” he asked Elizabeth, not understanding their reaction.
