Page 120 of The Governess of My Heart
“Good morning, my dear,” she greeted Elizabeth with warmth.
“Good morning, madam.”
“I assume your morning walk was refreshing.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Only a few more weeks; it gets very cold here during winter. You must get accustomed to entertaining yourself indoors, even though the children like to play in the snow.”
Elizabeth finally realized that her life was about to be altered again, but for the good. She knew that she would miss the children, and it would be difficult for them to allow her to leave. She sat with the children for their lessons, unable to concentrate on anything. She constantly reminded herself that her meeting with Darcy that morning was not a delusion.
As expected, Georgiana joined her around mid-morning and sat with them as Elizabeth continued their lessons.
“Miss Smith, my brother, and I would like to invite all of you to stay at Pemberley before the ball.”
Elizabeth was surprised at the request.
“We think it would be convenient for the children and, of course, for all of you to stay with us before the ball on Saturday. Will you stay?” she asked, as Elizbeth had not visited Pemberley for a long time despite persistent requests by Georgiana.
Elizabeth did not know how to reply.
“Yes… yes, of course. It would be convenient for the children, I am certain.”
Georgiana was elated to have Elizabeth willing to stay at Pemberley, unaware she would be a part of Pemberley permanently. Elizabeth knew Darcy had accompanied her, so she did not dare ask Georgiana about his whereabouts. As much as she wanted to see Darcy again, she was unsure about her temperament around him.
As she contemplated, they heard a knock, and Darcy entered. Elizabeth immediately stood but was unable to meet his eye.
“Good morning, Miss Smith,” Darcy said, looking at her keenly.
“Good… good morning, sir,” she stammered, finally meeting his eye. Even though he looked calm and composed, Elizabeth could sense the stiffness in his demeanor.
She realized it was not easy for him to be in the same room as her, as he had declared.
“Georgiana, Miss Anderson has been asking for you,” he said, looking at his sister. At that moment, Edmund pestered him to look at his drawing, and Georgiana left downstairs, knowing that Elizabeth would join them downstairs as well.
Elizabeth held her breath as Darcy kneeled beside Edmund, looking at his drawing.
“Fitzwilliam, look at mine,” Emily cried, wanting to impress Darcy.
Darcy looked at the paper the little girl held and saw a drawing of tulips.
“Miss Smith helped me color them red. Do you like it?” Emily asked.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth, his eyes speaking volumes of what he felt.
“Yes, I do; they are beautiful. Tulips are my favorite flower, especially those Miss Smith has taught you to draw.”
Elizabeth trembled at his gaze, colored, and half wished Georgiana had stayed back. The children began clearing up their work as it was time for lunch.
“I hope Georgiana invited you; we would like all of you to stay with us before the ball,” Darcy said to her.
“She did. Thank you for the invite,” she replied, trying her best to act normal. She now understood that it would not be easy for them to keep their relationship a secret.
Meanwhile, Darcy fought hard to avoid her. It pained him to address her as “Miss Smith.”
“I will see you downstairs,” he said and left her, noticing the blush on her cheek.
Elizabeth merely nodded, well aware of the agony of spending time in his company amongst the others.
