Page 34 of The Governess of My Heart
“George, help me; she is hurting me,” she cried in horror.
She was shocked when Wickham grabbed her by her throat.
“Listen to me. I cannot go to your dear brother because he will kill me when he hears how I tricked you into falling in love with me.”
“Tricked me?” Georgiana asked, unable to speak.
“Of course. Have you seen your face in the mirror? Do you think anyone would fall in love with you? Do you even know how to satisfy a man? I never loved you. But I love your dowry and the insane amount of money your brother will throw at me to get you back.”
“You scoundrel,” she cried.
“I am. We can discuss more about my character on our way to Scotland,” he said and tried to drag her out. Suddenly, the door opened, and he came face to face with an enraged Darcy.
The sight of Darcy sent shivers down his spine, and Darcy had never been that angry. The sight of Wickham holding his sister by the throat unleashed the beast in him. He pounced on Wickham and struck him with a deadly blow.
Georgiana fell to the ground and choked as Darcy continued the assault on Wickham.
“Fitzwilliam please… help…” Georgiana cried, choking in between words.
Darcy immediately ran to his sister and assisted her.
His men entered the room and captured Wickham, who was almost unconscious from the beating. Mrs. Younge stood rooted to her spot and understood she was in deep trouble.
Georgiana was completely ashamed of how easily she was deceived. She sobbed in her brother’s arms, unable to face him.
Darcy’s heart broke for his sister. He was not angry with her but hated himself for what had happened. As angry as Darcy was, he knew that the only way to protect his sister’s reputation was to let Wickham go, and he did so, warning him to change his ways. He wrote to Richard immediately, informing him of every detail of what had transpired in Ramsgate, and insisting that Wickham to be watched at all times.
After everything that happened, Darcy could not see his sister’s plight. Georgiana felt the same way; she was ashamed to even be in his presence.
He decided to send her back to Pemberley, where he knew she would be safe. He did not want to accompany her and assumed she hated him for what happened, as he could not protect her.
He lay awake in bed, unable to sleep.
I am so sorry, Georgiana. I failed to protect you.
You will be safe in Pemberley. You won’t have to struggle to face me; I will leave you alone.
Georgiana sobbed in her room, unable to sleep.
He looked after me like a father, and all I have done is give him pain. I could have been completely ruined if not for Fitzwilliam. I told my dear brother that he was jealous of someone like Wickham. How could I? I hope you are at peace once I am at Pemberley, Fitzwilliam. You do not have to look at your shameful sister every day.
Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Darcy were unable to sleep for a long time that night as a million thoughts engulfed them. For each, the next day was anew beginningin so many ways.
Chapter 12
It had been a week since Elizabeth arrived in Derbyshire, and she had settled in amiably at Ashton Park, taking responsibility as the governess of Lady Martha’s grandchildren.
The children were twins, a boy, and a girl, five years of age. Elizabeth was saddened when she became aware of their mother’s unfortunate demise.
“We lost their mother five months ago; it was an accident. She fell down the stairs and was dead by the time we found her,” Lady Martha informed with sadness.
Elizabeth was horrified to learn about the incident.
“I am so sorry for your loss, madam. They are lovely children, and it is cruel to lose their mother at such a young age,” she said and paused, wanting to know whether they were attached to their stepmother.
“Well, you may already know that my son remarried. She was a friend of Sophia’s.”
“It must be easier for Edmund and Emily if they are already acquainted with their stepmother.”
