Page 51 of The Governess of My Heart
“Can I see them?” Darcy asked.
“Of course. Miss Smith, could you spare the children for a few minutes? They will be elated to see Fitzwilliam.”
“Certainly,” she said.
Darcy stood, and Georgiana joined him and asked Elizabeth to take them to the children’s study room.
Elizabeth took them upstairs, and Georgiana kept talking to her with excitement, and Darcy could not recognize his sister.
In a few moments, Elizabeth and Darcy locked eyes they struggled to understand what the other felt.
The children were thrilled to see Darcy and flung themselves on him.
“Fitzwilliam!”
“Look at my little friends. You both have grown so much since I saw you last. I have missed you a lot,” Darcy said with love. He handed them the gifts he had brought from town and the children squealed with joy when they opened them.
For a moment, Darcy stole a glance at Elizabeth, and for the first time since they had met, he saw her smile. She smiled at the children and seemed lost in their happiness.
He was captivated by her beautiful smile. There was something genuine and warm in her smile and he thought she looked more attractive when she did.
He wanted to know more about it, not just for his sister's sake. Darcy knew that he was solely responsible for their second meeting at the bookstore turning bitter.
Elizabeth caught him staring, and her smile disappeared immediately. However, she did not have the slightest idea of his thoughts.
Why is he looking at me so? Maybe he wants to ruin my employment here because of how I treated him.
She knew he was more than a friend to the Ashton family.
“Fitzwilliam, see this. Miss Smith helped me paint these,” Emily said, holding her painting for Darcy to see.
It was a pretty tulip and Darcy admired the artwork and looked at Elizabeth.
“It is beautiful indeed,” he said, directing his words at her.
“Thank you. Emily worked very hard to learn it,” Elizabeth replied politely. This was the first time they spoke to each other after the introduction.
“Brother, Miss Smith does paint beautifully,” Georgiana exclaimed.
To Darcy it became apparent that Georgiana wanted him to approve of their friendship.
“Did you train formally?” he asked Elizabeth.
“No, sir. It has been a hobby that I didn’t explore further,” she said as Lord Ashton joined them.
“Aren’t the children progressing well? What do you think, Fitzwilliam? I am glad that they are in good hands.”
“I agree,” Darcy said, looking at Elizabeth with a smile.
However, she did not return it.
“We will join you for dinner. I have truly missed your brother’s company, Georgiana,” Lord Ashton said, looking forward to their engagements.
“I will see you soon, sweetling,” Darcy said to Georgiana and Elizabeth could see how affectionate he was towards his sister.
He looked at Elizabeth, bowed, and left them. Elizabeth sighed a huge relief when he left.
“Can I sit here and read my book while you finish your lessons?” Georgiana asked Elizabeth.
