Page 56 of The Governess of My Heart
“Miss Smith, it is your turn,” Georgiana said, and Elizabeth hesitated.
She had not played before anyone except Lady Martha and Georgiana at Ashton Park.
“Yes, dear! You must,” Lady Martha insisted.
She reluctantly got up and walked to the pianoforte and browsed through several songs. Elizabeth looked at the books and found them too refined for her skills.
“These are too complex for my skill, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said with a laugh.
“Oh! If you do not prefer these, then please play whatever you like. I am eager to hear you, and you play beautifully,” Georgiana said with warmth.
She could sense Darcy’s critical gaze upon her and did not care what he would think of her performance. She played one of her favorite songs.
Her performance was not as skilled as Georgiana’s, but there was something soulful in her music, and Darcy had notheard the particular piece before. He was intrigued by her performance.
There seemed to be perfect harmony between her fingers and the keys, and Darcy found her performance riveting. He had seen numerous women perform but never appreciated anyone except Georgiana genuinely.
There is something soulful in her performance, and she did not once look in my direction.
When Elizabeth ended her song, there was a stunning round of applause. Even Mrs. Annesley, who was never open with her appreciation, gave praise.
“You play well, Miss Smith. I really enjoyed your performance,” she said to Elizabeth.
“Thank you, madam,” Elizabeth replied.
She sat down next to Georgiana, and Darcy was surprised that she did not even look in his direction, and he cleared his throat.
“You play remarkably well, Miss Smith.”
And Elizabeth was surprised by his praise.
“Thank you,” she said, concluding that he praised her for his sister’s sake.
“How is Richard doing, Fitzwilliam?” Lady Martha asked.
“He is well.”
“It has been ages since I saw him. Would he join you here before Christmas?”
“I have asked him to come, and I hope he can visit soon.”
Georgiana explained to Elizabeth how Richard was related to them.
“My cousin Richard shares my custody with my brother,” she said.
“I see.”
She does not have parents, but I am certain her brother takes care of her welfare remarkably well.
She wished she had someone like that to support her.
You did have a choice, Elizabeth. Aunt Gardiner wanted you to stay with her. Uncle Gardiner wanted to take you back. But I could not go. I could never go there. He despised my mother for her choices.
The evening ended in good spirits for everyone.
“I am so glad you came,” Georgiana said gratefully. When they left, Georgiana and Darcy were invited to dine at Ashton Park the following week. Darcy handed them into the carriage.
“Thank you for being our guest, Miss Smith,” he said to her as he assisted her.
