Page 127 of The Governess of My Heart
“I suggest you get familiar with the house, especially your way to the upper floors, to our chambers,” he whispered in her ear. Elizabeth instinctively closed her eyes, trembling in his presence. Within a fraction of a moment, she realized that he was gone and stood alone. She left the place in a hurry and headed to the nursery, catching her breath. Elizabeth had never seen this side of Darcy before, and he enjoyed taunting her a little just because she did the same to him.
That night, Georgiana sat with Elizabeth in her room. She had surprised Elizabeth with her arrival.
“I hope I am not disturbing you,” she said.
“No, not at all.”
“Oh! It is too difficult to keep this news to myself. I just saw Fitzwilliam, and he seems jealous that I can see you now.”
Elizabeth laughed, understanding Darcy’s plight.
Earlier that day, Georgiana had asked Elizabeth whether she needed anything to prepare for the ball. She took Elizabeth to her room and showed her some new dresses to choose from if she wanted to. Elizabeth understood that Darcy had purchased all the dresses in case she needed them and was touched by his thoughtfulness. Elizabeth showed Georgiana what she planned to wear the next day. It was a peach-colored gown with intricate embroidery around the neck and small flowers throughout the rest of the dress. Georgiana liked it very much and complimented Charlotte's taste.
Georgiana spent more than an hour with Elizabeth that night talking about her past.
“I do not know what to say. You are truly brave to have faced such a situation. It is incredible how your sister Mary told Fitzwilliam the truth. I remember you mentioning her once when we were discussing music.”
“She is so much like you in character and interests, and, yes, she loves to play.”
“I am very excited to meet her.”
Georgiana was to accompany them to town, and Elizabeth was still uncertain about what to expect. However, she was elated that she would be able to meet Mary soon. Meanwhile, Miss Anderson sat with her mother, finalizing her attire for the ball.
"Beatrice, dear, you will look spectacular in this gown.”
“Are you certain? I feel the red one would be more attractive.”
“I am not certain, but this one has a better fit on your figure,” Lady Anderson suggested and continued. “Remember,my dear, Mr. Darcy has not invited us here without any intention of marrying you. I am certain he will propose soon; you must please him and his sister in all ways possible.”
“Oh! Yes, Mamma, I cannot imagine being the mistress of this grand estate. It is grander than Ashton Park. I cannot imagine what our friends would say if I settled here.”
“We are the right match for the Darcy family, and I am glad you are getting married well. It is good that you rejected Lord Fremont last month; I cannot stand his mother either. Mr. Darcy seems much happier recently, and I am certain it is because of you. Even though your aunt has not helped in any way in this match, I am certain Mr. Darcy favors you. I saw him look at you earnestly today,” she said. In truth, Darcy had consciously tried to look in the opposite direction of Elizabeth when they arrived that morning; as luck would have it, he looked in Miss Anderson’s direction as he struggled to compose himself.
Each of them went to sleep that night excited for the next day. As for Darcy and Elizabeth, it was the last night spent as secret lovers.
The day of the ball dawned to pleasant autumn weather. Most of Darcy’s close acquaintances and the tenants were invited to the ball. That morning, he met the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, and informed her about his engagement. He respected the oldwoman and had known her since his childhood, but Darcy did not want to keep the news away from her.
He watched the shock on her face when he declared his engagement with Elizabeth. Mrs. Reynolds was silent for a few seconds and then expressed her wishes.
“My hearty congratulations, sir. This is such an unexpected but delightful surprise. I am glad to hear that Pemberley will soon have a mistress.”
Mrs. Reynolds had no hesitance about the match. She was well aware of Darcy’s character and was certain that her master would never offer for a woman if he did not truly love her. Personally, Mrs. Reynolds had respect and admiration for Elizabeth. She met her weekly at the church and formed a good bond because of Georgiana. She wanted to help the couple navigate through this phase in every way.
Elizabeth was surprised to find Mrs. Reynolds alone during breakfast, waiting to congratulate her.
“Miss Smith, I offer my heartiest wishes on your engagement. I am certain the staff at Pemberley will be as delighted as I am.”
As for Elizabeth, she was grateful that until that moment, no one expressed anything but happiness with the news. The house was bustling with energy, and Mrs. Reynolds once again met with Darcy to finalize arrangements. She understood that the family planned to travel to town soon and return for the wedding. Darcy was impatient and wanted to speak with Elizabeth before the ball. She saw her enter the library with Georgiana and decided to talk to her. However, as he entered the library, he found Lady Martha seated beside Elizabeth and Georgiana.
“Fitzwilliam, what a surprise to see you here. I wonder what entices you to join us, leaving the men alone?” she asked seriously.
Darcy looked at her in shock, but Georgiana could not suppress her laugh. However, Elizabeth was worried by the expression on Darcy’s face.
“Madam, if you would not mind, I would like to have a few words with my fiancée before the ball.”
“Of course, you can; if you do not mind us sitting here, you are welcome to spend time with her,” Lady Martha replied casually.
Elizabeth stood, and Darcy motioned her to the window. Even though Lady Martha did not look in their direction, Darcy’s irritation was inevitable, considering that she acted as a chaperone.
