Page 53 of The Governess of My Heart
“Miss Smith, we would be happy to have you for tea on Saturday. I would like to invite you to join Lady Martha and visit us at Pemberley,” he said to her earnestly.
Elizabeth was shocked to receive an invitation from him, and Lady Isabella looked at Darcy with astonishment.
Elizabeth could sense that his invitation was not customary and that his words were sincere. She could not understand why he would want her to be his guest after their previous uncomfortable encounters.
Why does he want me to visit his estate? I am certain he considers me rude and impolite.
“Miss Smith, what do you say?” Lady Martha asked. She had not pressed Elizabeth before but wanted her to consider it now.
“I thank you for your invite, sir. I would be happy to join you all on Saturday,” she said, unable to decline the request.
Georgiana beamed with delight, and Darcy saw genuine happiness on his sister’s face after so many days.
He could see that Elizabeth had become a part of the Ashton family in the few months of being employed there. Somehow, to him, there was something mysterious about her. Later, Georgiana left along with her brother in happy spirits.
“You seem pleased to have your friend visit Pemberley,” he said to Georgiana in the carriage.
“Yes, brother. She has never called on me, and I am so glad she accepted. I must thank you for inviting her.”
“Why did she not visit earlier? Is there a reason?” he asked puzzled.
“I do not know. Lady Martha asked me not to press her,” Georgiana said and remained silent for a few minutes. “She knew that I was not allowed visitors except the Ashtons, so maybe she felt she was an outsider.”
“Georgiana, I would not have had any problem with Miss Smith visiting you in my absence, either. I have full trust in Lady Martha.”
“But… But what do you think about her? I like her a lot, Fitzwilliam.”
“Well! We just met, but I think she has done remarkably well with the children. I remember them being very sad when they lost their mother and now, they look a lot happier.”
“She takes care of them so well and even Mrs. Davidson seems a lot more relaxed now”
Darcy was happy to see his sister talk to him with the same ease as before, and he realized that Georgiana conversed with him freely only because the topic revolved around Elizabeth.
“Did you spend much time in Ashton Park in the past months?”
“Yes! I enjoy being there.”
They continued their conversation until they reached Pemberley, and Georgiana ran into the house excitedly as Darcy headed to his study. He had an unfinished letter for Richard and sat down to finish it.
Finally, I can tell him that Georgiana has found a friend.
Chapter 19
Elizabeth sat in the carriage with Lady Martha and Lady Isabella; they were on their way to Pemberley and had left the children behind. Lord Ashton was out shooting with Darcy and some other friends. They were to join the ladies later at Pemberley.
Elizabeth was apprehensive about meeting Darcy again. On the other hand, she looked forward to seeing Pemberley as she had heard much about its beauty from the Ashtons and Georgiana.
Lady Isabella was silent throughout their journey. It was ten miles between Pemberley and Ashton Park. As soon as they entered the woods surrounding the estate, Elizabeth was mesmerized by its beauty. Streams ran along the road, and wildflowers filled the area.
“Is it not beautiful?” Lady Martha asked.
“I have no words to describe the sight before me,” she said in awe.
“Well! I still remember the day I set foot in Pemberley. My husband and Mr. George Darcy were childhood friends. Anne, I mean Mrs. Darcy, and I became the thickest of friends soon after I came to Derbyshire after my marriage. I am reminded of those days when I see you and Georgiana.”
“How long has it been since Mrs. Darcy died?” she asked.
“Anne died a few months after Georgiana was born. It left the entire family devastated, and the late Mr. Darcy died about five years ago. Fitzwilliam was in his early twenties when he took over the estate, but I think he has done a remarkable job.”
