Page 125 of The Governess of My Heart
“I just have one question for you. How long have you been in love with her?”
“Quite long, even before I left Derbyshire recently.”
Lady Martha did not want to invade into the details. But she somehow understood that their relationship had blossomed in her presence, even though she had been blind to it.
“Do you want me to keep this news to myself until the ball? I want to enjoy myself for a couple of days watching you both struggle amongst company,” she said with a laugh.
Darcy smiled.
“Please understand that Elizabeth is very attached to you and the children. Even though she is happy to marry me, I can sense her sadness in leaving Ashton Park.”
“I knew she would leave someday, but not so soon. She has given so much to the children despite such sorrow in her heart and deserves to be happy, and I am glad she is not going far away. Fitzwilliam, trust me, your mother would approve of this match. She was my best friend, and I can mirror her sentiments in this matter. Anne would have given you her consent just like I did now; she has always believed in true love. And after seeing you all these years, I am so glad you found yours.”
Her heartfelt words touched Darcy.
“I am glad to have your consent in this matter, and Elizabeth will be happy to hear the same.”
“Even though you are engaged now, I must say she is still my responsibility. I suggest she returns to Ashton Park after the ball, and you can take her to London as planned from here.”
As much as Darcy wanted her to stay in Pemberley, he understood Lady Martha’s reasoning.
“We will stay in Pemberley tomorrow as planned, and I would be happy to keep the news to myself and enjoy the surprise on everyone’s face during the ball,” she declared.
Darcy nodded and wondered if he could see Elizabeth before leaving.
“I suggest you get going. Now that I know about the engagement, I will not allow you to spend time together without a chaperone. If you would like to, I can call her, and you can spend time with her in my company,” she said with a smirk.
Darcy did not enjoy her teasing.
“I shall see you tomorrow,” he said, leaving Ashton Park a little disappointed that he had not been able to see Elizabeth.
Once he left, Lady Martha sat down with a sigh, unable to believe the surprising developments. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was restless in her room. She had not broken her fast yet and knew Darcy was in the house to meet Lady Martha. She saw the Darcy carriage leave Ashton Park from her window and felt unsettled.She was worried as to how Lady Martha would react to their engagement. Elizabeth knew how society would react to Darcy marrying a governess, but he had assured her that he would not let anyone impact their life and happiness. But she was certain that Lady Martha’s consent was important to them.
What if she does not favor him marrying so low? She may like me, but what if she objects to our match, citing the repercussions? Anyone concerned about Fitzwilliam’s welfare will never approve of this match.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a servant informing her that her presence was requested in the study. Elizabeth prepared herself for the conversation; a part of her felt guilty for leaving Ashton Park and wondered if somehow her relationship with Lady Martha would be altered because of her marriage.
She knocked on the door and entered with anticipation. Lady Martha stood by the window and looked at her calmly.
“I am sorry, Elizabeth; I was under the impression that you trusted me. I did not imagine you lived here all these months, thinking that I would not support you in any way.”
“Lady Martha I…”
“Please let me finish. I am unaware of all the details about your relationship with Fitzwilliam. Still, I am sensible enough to understand that he did not propose out of the blue, nor did you accept in a hurry. You both hid your feelings very well. I do not want to press for any details, but if you all needed someone to talk to or guide you, you could have come to me. I cannot imagine how lonely you have felt here,” she said with feeling.
“Please do not say so; I cannot explain how much you mean to me. As you mentioned, our feelings blossomed in front of your eyes, but please trust me, neither of us was aware of each other’s regard in this matter for a very long time. And I never expected to marry him, because of so many reasons that arequite self-explanatory. But a few days before, I met him during my walk and understood how much he loved me. In truth, I love and respect Mr. Darcy, and I cannot imagine a life without him which is why I agreed to marry him. It would pain me if you think I have neglected you in this matter because, for a very long time, I neglected my own feelings.” She continued, “Lady Martha, I can sense that you are angry with me, but please do not detest me. I cannot bear it,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Detest you? How could I? I love and care for you just as I would for Philip. I apologize for not saying this first, I am elated about your engagement, and you have my blessings.”
Elizabeth hugged Lady Martha in happiness, much to her surprise.
“I will miss you and the children. I am guilty of leaving them and worried how they may react,” she said with pain.
“Well, you are not going very far away, are you? Do not worry about the children; we can find another governess, though no one can live up to the expectations you have set.”
Elizabeth held Lady Martha’s hand gratefully. She explained their plans to head to London after the ball.
“Yes, I am aware. I informed Fitzwilliam that you would stay here until you leave for town. And I assume you will stay at your friend’s or uncle’s when you head there.”
