Page 64 of The Governess of My Heart
“She has a headache. I hope she will be better tomorrow; otherwise, I will call the doctor,” Lady Martha replied with a raised eyebrow.
Darcy struggled to compose himself, and Georgiana was equally worried.
“Oh, dear! Could I see her?” she asked.
“I could ask her maid and see if she is awake.”
By the time, Lord Ashton joined them.
“Fitzwilliam, I am so glad you are here. I have some business with the steward this morning, and I would welcome your assistance in the matter,” he said.
Darcy did not want to leave the room, as he wanted to know how Elizabeth was, but he had no choice and reluctantly left with Lord Ashton.
Elizabeth’s headache worsened after reading the letter, and she could not sleep the previous night. She was relieved when Lady Martha asked her to rest for the day.
But somehow, she could not stop her mind from analyzing every word in the letter.
She weighed all the possibilities of the context of the letter her father had written to her mother. After contemplating for a long time, she concluded that he had written it to settle matters when he became aware of her condition.
He declares he loves her but easily asks her to marry someone else. How could he say that when she was carrying his child? It was so easy for him to compensate for his fault with money. No wonder my mother wanted to do nothing with him. That must have been the reason why she did not mention his identity. She would have been devastated to have trusted such a man.
He mentions love, and I wonder if he even knew its meaning.
She was tormented by her situation and wished she had never discovered the letter. She felt guilty for neglecting the children.
Her maid informed her that Georgiana wanted to see her.
“Lady Martha wants to know if you would like Miss Darcy to visit you. She asked me not to press you if you wanted to rest.”
“Oh!”
The maid waited for an answer, and Elizabeth suddenly wondered whether Darcy was also present in the house.
“Yes! I would be happy to meet Miss Darcy,” she said, getting out of bed.
The maid left and brought Georgiana along. The moment the door opened; Georgiana rushed to Elizabeth’s side.
“I am sorry to trouble you, Miss Smith. But I could not leave without seeing you,” she said to Elizabeth, “How are you feeling?”
“I am better, and I am glad you came.”
“Lady Martha said you felt unwell since yesterday. Did you not sleep well at Pemberley?”
“I did. I do not know why, but I sometimes get these headaches. I am certain I will feel better tomorrow.”
“I hope so. The children seem bored. It is indeed surprising to see children of their age feel sad about missing their lessons. Even now, I feel happy to miss my lessons.”
Elizabeth laughed at Georgiana’s innocent declaration.
“I miss them too.”
“Fitzwilliam and I will keep them company for a while.”
Elizabeth looked at Georgiana with surprise.
So, he has come.
She was glad that she was unwell and did not have to face him. Georgiana stayed for a few minutes and left Elizabeth, not wanting to disturb her for long. Meanwhile, Darcy hardly paid attention to Lord Ashton’s discussion with his steward. He was impatient to know about Elizabeth’s health.
