Page 50 of The Governess of My Heart
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In Ashton Park, the family was thrilled about Darcy’s arrival in Pemberley.
“I am so glad that Fitzwilliam is back,” Lord Ashton said, and his wife agreed heartily.
“I am certain Georgiana is elated, and I hope he marries soon. Georgiana feels very lonely when he is away,” Lady Martha said.
Elizabeth sat silently and did not know what to expect of Darcy’s arrival. The next morning, she sat with the children, doing their lessons, and a servant came with the message that she was required downstairs.
Elizabeth did not like being interrupted during lessons, and wondered why she was needed.
She asked the nanny to watch the children and went downstairs.
When she entered the parlor, she was happy to see Georgiana sitting along with Lady Martha and Lady Isabella. They greeted each other with warmth.
“I apologize for not coming earlier,” Georgiana said.
“Please do not. I am happy that your brother has returned,” Elizabeth said, assuming that Georgiana had come alone.
After some time, Lady Isabella left them as she had never enjoyed being in Elizabeth’s company.
Within a few minutes, the parlor door opened and Lord Ashton and Darcy entered. All the women stood, and Elizabeth was bewildered at the sight of Darcy.
Her momentary confusion turned into horror when she saw Georgiana's smiling face, and Darcy’s reaction was nothing less.
He had visited Ashton Park and looked forward to meeting Lady Martha and Georgiana’s new friend. After spending time in the study with Lord Ashton, he walked into the parlor, eager for the introduction.
However, he was shocked to see the same woman he had met on the cliff standing next to Georgiana.
He stared at her seeing her face mirror his own sense of disbelief. Elizabeth was utterly horrified to discover the identity of the man who had saved her life.
“Fitzwilliam, allow me to introduce you to Miss Smith. She is a happy addition to Ashton Park, Miss Smith is our new governess, and if I can speak for Georgiana, Georgiana’s good friend,” Lady Martha said, smiling.
Darcy composed himself and bowed to Elizabeth.
“It is good to meet you, Miss Smith,” he said with composure.
“It is good to meet you too, sir,” Elizabeth said, hoping her face did not reveal her true feelings.
She was distressed beyond measure.
Oh! God! How do I converse with him? I am certain he hates me as much as I hate him. What if he tells Lady Martha I was standing close to the cliff that day?
Her thoughts engulfed her as she sat down, and Elizabeth struggled to look in Darcy’s direction.
Both of them saw Georgiana’s smiling face and felt guilty.
“Fitzwilliam informs me that he has no plan of returning to town soon. I am certain you are happy with the news,” Lord Ashton said, looking at Georgiana.
“Indeed, I am,” Georgiana said.
Elizabeth wanted to leave the room but thought it would be disrespectful, and Darcy watched her closely as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
He could not understand how her shy sister befriended someone like Elizabeth, who had a completely different personality.
“How are the children doing? It seems like ages since I saw them,” Darcy asked Lady Martha.
“They are happy to have their father back at Ashton Park. They are pretty occupied with their lessons with Miss Smith,” Lady Martha said.
