Page 52 of The Governess of My Heart
“Certainly,” Elizabeth said, focusing on the children and trying her best not to think about Darcy.
But I have to endure dinner with him.
The children finished their lessons and wanted to show Georgiana the seeds they had planted.
“Come, Georgi, my seeds have started to grow. I am certain they will grow fast,” Edmund said, dragging her to the gardens.
Georgiana was impressed with Elizabeth as she had taught them a lot about nature.
“Do you like to garden, Miss Smith?” she asked.
“To be honest, I do not enjoy it much. But I enjoy spending time outdoors and love to explore nature.”
“You must visit our estate, as I would love to show you around. There are many beautiful trails that lead to the woods.”
“I shall, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, feeling uncomfortable about the topic. She had not wanted to visit before, thinking her brother would find it unacceptable, but now that she knew about Darcy's identity and their bitter encounters, she was certain she wouldn’t be welcome.
However, Georgiana pressed her again.
“Please, why would you not visit? I have been inviting you almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance.”
Elizabeth did not know what to reply.
“I find my duties here keeping me engaged all day. Someday, I would definitely come,” she said, feeling sorry to disappoint Georgiana.
Elizabeth was well prepared to meet Darcy during supper, and as expected, Darcy and Lord Ashton joined them. Elizabeth composed herself as they sat down to eat, and Darcy sat directly opposite her.
Georgiana was seated beside her and Elizabeth did not want to make it evident that she was uncomfortable in her brother’s presence.
My courage always rises in every attempt to intimidate me. I must not allow my thoughts to get the better of me.
Elizabeth noticed Darcy listening carefully to her conversation with his sister.
“My brother enjoys reading as much as you do,” Georgiana said to Elizabeth and Darcy understood that she was trying to make him join the conversation.
He looked at Elizabeth, and without hesitation she directed a question at him.
“What do you like to read, Mr. Darcy?” she asked confidently.
“I do not have a particular favorite. I read all kinds of books that intrigue me. May I dare to ask about your preference?”
“I like to read about history.”
“Oh! You love poetry too, don’t you?” Georgiana asked.
Elizabeth looked at Darcy and clearly enjoyed his embarrassment.
“Yes! I do.”
“My brother gifted me some new books; they have lovely sonnets.”
“Is that so? That is wonderful, indeed. I am certain your brother has a great talent for selecting books,” she said, looking at Darcy sarcastically.
Darcy was shocked at her direct attempt to ridicule him. He did not remember anyone teasing him so except his cousin Richard.
“You will find the library at Pemberley enticing. The children do not have lessons on Saturday. Will you join us for tea?” Georgiana asked eagerly.
Elizabeth did not know what to reply, and Darcy had seldom seen his sister be this forward and confident in inviting anyone to their home. He knew from Georgiana that she had invited her many times, but Elizabeth had refused.
