Page 55 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth looked at Georgiana’s eager face and could not deny her request. They headed upstairs, and Elizabeth realized how lonely it would be for her to stay in such a big property without her brother.
Georgiana’s room was located on the upper floor, elegantly furnished, and the windows had a beautiful view of the lake.
“It must be delightful to wake up to such a view, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said.
“It is, but my mother’s room has a better view of the entire lake,” she said.
Georgiana showed Elizabeth the books her brother had bought her recently, and Elizabeth was impressed with Darcy’s taste in books. She was reminded of her father’s library and struggled to block those memories.
“I have read all the poetry, and you could take these to Ashton Park if you like.”
Elizabeth looked at all the books and understood from Georgiana that those were the books Darcy had purchased from Lambton, but she could not spot the book she wanted to buy that day.
Maybe he felt guilty about purchasing it.
She thought, and they headed downstairs and joined the other ladies. In a short while, the men joined them. When Darcy entered the room, his eyes immediately fell on Elizabeth and his sister.
He could see the bright smile on Georgiana’s face, but Elizabeth’s expression was not the same. However, she looked composed, but he could not say the same about himself.
Darcy sensed that she was not pleased to see him quite opposite to how he felt about her. He found her uncommonly beautiful. She wore a simple gown, but the lilac color complimented her skin beautifully.
They bowed formally to each other, and Darcy sat beside his sister. Elizabeth sat on the other side of Georgiana.
She felt the same feeling when she saw Darcy as he reminded her about the horrific decision on the cliff.
Georgiana conversed amiably with her, and Darcy could not understand how his shy sister found it so easy to be around Elizabeth.
Her position as an employee may be less intimidating for Georgiana.
He thought, and the next moment, he criticized himself for such a cruel thought. He could see that Elizabeth differed from any other woman acquainted with Georgiana. He always felt uncomfortable when the women who conversed with his sister flattered him. Some did the opposite and praised Georgiana relentlessly amidst his company, but both siblings felt uncomfortable in such situations.
But Elizabeth seldom mentioned Darcy when she spoke with his sister. It was Georgiana who looked at her brother often, and Darcy realized she wanted him to join the conversation. He did not know how to converse with Elizabeth or understand how she felt about him.
“I hope Georgiana gave you a tour of the house, Miss Smith,” he said formally.
“Yes, sir, she did, and you have a beautiful estate.”
They locked eyes, and Elizabeth felt unsettled by his gaze.
I am certain that he has invited me here only for his sister’s sake.
“In which part of town did you grow up?” he asked.
“Gracechurch Street,” she replied, inwardly dreading his next question.
Fortunately for Elizabeth, he did not ask anything related to her past.
“How do you like Derbyshire? Do you like the country better?”
“I do. I love to be outdoors, and the trails are beautiful here,” she said, biting her lip.
Darcy nodded knowingly, and Elizabeth noticed a slight smile on his lips. As for Darcy, he could not forget their first meeting. He sensed that her thoughts were on the same subject from her expression.
“Won’t you play for us, Georgiana?” Lord Ashton asked.
Georgiana looked at her brother, and he could sense that he was eager to hear her. She played a few of her favorite songs, and everyone was impressed.
Darcy applauded heartily, and Elizabeth could see the adoration in his eyes whenever he looked at his sister.
