Page 65 of The Governess of My Heart
Once the discussion was over, he hurried back into the parlor.
“How is Miss Smith faring?” he asked Georgiana, trying hard to suppress his concern.
“She still has a headache but said she is much better.”
The children surrounded Darcy, and he led them out into the garden. He played with them for a while, and after refusing dinner, Georgiana and Darcy left.
Darcy did not want to spend more time there, fearing his countenance would betray his feelings. However, he felt agitated because he could not see her.
On her way back to Pemberley, Georgiana noticed his displeasure and suddenly worried that he disapproved of something she had done.
“Are you worried about something?” she asked him with hesitation.
“No. Why do you ask?”
“I can see you are upset. Did I…did I do something wrong?”
Darcy looked at his sister's worried face.
“No. Why would you think that? I am sorry you could not spend more time at Ashton Park.”
“I hope she feels better soon,” Georgiana said.
Darcy was silent and no longer doubted his feelings towards her.
I love her. I cannot deny it anymore. I love Miss Smith.
He suddenly realized that he did not even know her Christian name. The realization shocked him, as he had never heard anyone address her in any other way.
“The children looked unhappy today,” he mentioned to Georgiana, who was reading a book.
“I noticed, too, as they enjoy their lessons. I hope she will be better tomorrow to teach them.”
“What is…What is her name?” he asked, unable to stop himself.
“Whose name?”
“Their governess, all of them call her Miss Smith. I assume she has become your close friend. You know her name, don’t you?”
Georgiana laughed.
“Of course! Her name is “Elizabeth”, “Elizabeth Smith”.”
“Elizabeth,” what a beautiful name. “Elizabeth”.
“I have asked her to call me by my Christian name, and I also wish to address her as Elizabeth. But she politely declined, citing that it would be improper for her to do so. I wish to addressher so, brother; it is such a beautiful name. Emily has named one of her dolls Elizabeth,” she carried on, oblivious to Darcy’s expression of happiness.
They returned home, and Darcy locked himself in his study once again.
He felt he had left his mind and heart in Ashton Park. He had gone with the anticipation of meeting her and hoping to converse with her, but he did not know what he wanted to say to her.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth rested in her room and understood from her maid that the Darcys had left.
“I hope you feel better, Miss Smith,” her maid said as she brought her a tray for dinner.
Elizabeth was touched by the care and concern she received at Ashton Park.
I must not let my past ruin the present and my future.
