Page 86 of The Governess of My Heart
“I have never been so delighted by the prospects of new acquaintances, Darcy. I met so many interesting people over the past two weeks.”
“People?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, young ladies. To be precise.”
There he goes again.
“Do not be irritated, but I have no interest in your ramblings about pretty faces.”
“Don’t be such a spoilsport. You will be delighted by the company here, pretty faces, dancing, and a lot of music.”
“I am entertained by none of these; by now, you should know.”
“I think I may find a suitable match for myself here. Even though my sisters are quite against it.”
“I assume you are already in love then.”
“No, not quite. But I am indeed captivated by a young woman, Miss Bennet. She is the daughter of a respectable man who owns the Longbourn estate. She is an angel, Darcy. You must see for yourself.”
“Please understand this. The intention of my visit is to assist you in the affairs of Netherfield, not to socialize.”
“You must. There is a gathering at Lucas Lodge tomorrow evening to start with.”
Darcy was in no mood to prolong the conversation.
He took to the task at hand and asked Mr. Bingley for a tour of the house. Within a couple of hours, he was shown the entire property, the stables and the grounds.
He found Netherfield pleasing and suitable for his friend.
The friends then went for a ride and rode around the fields. Darcy saw a nearby mount, and Mr. Bingley declared that he had never gone up the mount.
Darcy steered him in that direction, and as they rode up, he was captivated by the view.
When they reached the top, Mr. Bingley noticed Darcy stop abruptly.
“What is the matter?” he asked.
Darcy did not reply and could not believe his eyes.
It cannot be. It cannot be her. Am I dreaming?
His eyes were fixed on the slender form of a young woman seated on the ledge at a distance. He could not see her face. She held a book in her hands and wore a bonnet, and Darcy could not mistake the striking resemblance she bore to someone else.
Elizabeth?
Chapter 29
Mary had found life extremely miserable after Elizabeth had left. The household was chaotic, and she found it difficult to handle questions about her sister’s disappearance amongst acquaintances.
The servants in Longbourn knew there was some connection between Elizabeth’s disappearance and Mr. Collins’s visit. Most acquaintances of the Bennet family did not believe in the story about Elizabeth’s disappearance. The only person who knew the truth about Elizabeth, apart from Mary, was Mariah Lucas.
Elizabeth’s letters reached Mary through Mariah. Though younger than Mary, Mariah was sensible and mature in guarding this secret.
Mary’s only comfort in her tedious life was the letters Elizabeth wrote. She was happy that her sister was somewhere safe. As months passed, she was convinced that Ashton Park was the best place for her sister.
Elizabeth wrote every single detail to Mary and disclosed her heart. Mary understood that Elizabeth was deeply in love with Darcy. She wrote to her sister to trust her heart and not be worried about the past. Mary was sad about her suffering because of her growing feelings for Darcy. She did not know how to help Elizabeth and hoped her sister would find happiness soon.
The arrival of the Bingleys provided Mary with some distraction. She found the Bingley sisters proud and unfriendly; however, Mr. Bingley starkly contrasted them. She had met him thrice at social gatherings and enjoyed his company, and he seemed pleased with Hertfordshire. He conversed with all young ladies amiably, and Mary felt he was drawn to Jane. She heardher mother and Jane scheme tirelessly at home to make Mr. Bingley fall in love with Jane. Mrs. Bennet knew he was wealthy, and Jane wanted to marry him for the same reason, but Mary fervently hoped Mr. Bingley would see her true nature and not fall for her charms.
