Page 129 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth liked her appearance as well. She thanked Georgiana again for her assistance and sat down. Georgiana and Lady Martha requested her to join them after all the guests arrived, and Darcy was aware of this and was impatient to see her.
Meanwhile, the guests had started to arrive for the ball. Georgiana and Darcy welcomed them, and they invited close acquaintances and tenants to the estate.
Miss Anderson made a grand appearance along with her parents. Her dress was too grand for the evening and looked jarring with the heavy necklace she wore. Lady Anderson was certain that Darcy would propose to her soon.
Meanwhile, Lord Ashton and his wife were not in the best spirits. Lady Isabella walked around the room conversing with acquaintances to socialize; however, the children were excited to see the decorations and ran around the room.
“Grandma, where is Miss Smith? Is she not attending the ball?” Edmund asked with disappointment.
“Well, she will be here soon,” Lady Martha replied, impatient for the announcement.
Lord Anderson noticed that Darcy was not his usual self.
“You seem restless tonight, Fitzwilliam,” Lord Ashton observed.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, since you are the host, no one will force you to dance if you do not want to,” he said with a laugh. The Ashtons knew very well that he did not enjoy these gatherings.
“I assure you; I look forward to dancing tonight,” he declared.
Miss Anderson and her mother smiled at each other, anticipating his request for the first dance with Miss Anderson.
Most acquaintances had arrived, and Darcy nodded at Georgiana. She immediately excused herself and headed upstairs to Elizabeth’s room.
“Shall we leave now that almost all the guests have arrived? Edmund and Emily have been impatient to know where you are, and I must say my brother is giving them stiff competition.”
Elizabeth laughed and was grateful for Georgiana’s support since arriving at Pemberley. The young girl suddenly played a vital role in her relationship with Darcy.
Elizabeth headed downstairs to the ballroom with Georgiana, feeling confident. The vast ballroom was filled with happy faces of tenants and acquaintances. The decor was not flamboyant, and everything looked warm and inviting. Georgiana led Elizabeth towards Lady Martha, who sat with the children. Emily and Edmund immediately ran towards Elizabeth, and she was equally excited to see them.
“Miss Smith, I am so happy to be at the ball. Will you dance with me?” Edmund asked innocently.
“Of course I will.”
“My dear, be careful with your promises,” Lady Martha said with a wink and continued, “You look gorgeous, and I cannot wait for the evening to commence.”
Elizabeth smiled, and her eyes searched for Darcy.
Meanwhile, Darcy had witnessed every movement she had made since entering the room. He stood with the men, oblivious to the conversation.
For Darcy, Elizabeth was a vision in her elegant gown and sparkling eyes. He noticed she wore the chain he had given her and was elated to see his mother’s jewel on her neck.
The moment she saw the children, she kneeled to converse with them, and Darcy realized that his mother always did the same when she was around children. He longed to break away from his party and join the women.
A few more minutes of patience, he thought to himself.
At that moment, he noticed Elizabeth searching for him. She seemed to be scanning the crowd to locate him, and Darcy smiled to himself.
He was pleased they could finally leave all formality behind and meet as an engaged couple.
“He is standing to your left,” Georgiana whispered to Elizabeth, and she found it very difficult to look in his direction. She slowly looked at him, and they locked their eyes. Darcy smiled at her, slightly nodding, and Elizabeth immediately looked away.
Lady Martha saw their exchange and smiled. Then she asked Elizabeth to sit beside her.
“Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam plans to make the announcement soon, and when he does, I will lead you to him. Is that all right?” she asked.
Elizabeth agreed, understanding how people around her cared for each aspect of her comfort and well-being.
