Page 128 of The Governess of My Heart
“Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“Yes, I did. How about you? You seem to be restless.”
“Of course I am,” he said in a low voice and looked at Lady Martha.
“Fitzwilliam, she is just teasing us,” Elizabeth said in a low voice.
“Well, I do not find it as amusing as you do.”
“We might as well enjoy it at present. Mrs. Reynolds congratulated me this morning, and I am happy she welcomes the match.”
“She does, and I have also written to my uncle and aunt. I am certain the letter reached your friend yesterday.”
“I am glad. Charlotte will definitely find a way to reach Mary without delay. Do you want me to know anything specific about the ball?”
Darcy explained that once the guests arrive, he will officially announce his engagement, and they will be the first couple to open the dance. Elizabeth somehow felt nervous and wanted to be addressed as Miss Smith.
“Elizabeth, please do not be stressed about this evening. I assure you, everything will go well, and I am so glad I can finally claim your hand."
Elizabeth nodded, and Darcy boldly held her hand, reassuring her that he would not leave her side throughout the night. They were interrupted by Lady Martha's voice, which seemed louder on purpose.
“I hope the children are not being naughty upstairs, Georgiana,” she said, still not looking in their direction.
Elizabeth watched Darcy’s face darken and suppressed her smile. He reluctantly let go of her hand and left the library.
A few more hours, he thought to himself as he left for a ride.
Chapter 38
Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror, struggling to compose herself as Georgiana admired her beauty.
“You look beautiful. Fitzwilliam is so impatient to see you,” she said with admiration.
“Georgiana, I feel nervous. I do not know why.”
“Please do not be. It will be a memorable evening for all of us, and all the attendees will be happy to hear the news. I have something for you; Fitzwilliam asked me to give this to you.”
She held a box out to Elizabeth, and she opened it. Inside was a beautiful pearl necklace of tiny pearls and crystals strung together.
“It belonged to my mother, and Fitzwilliam says it was her favorite piece of jewelry. He wants you to wear it for the ball if you wish to.”
“It is so beautiful, Georgiana. Thank you!”
“Will you wear it?”
Elizabeth immediately showed Georgiana what she planned to wear. She had decided to wear the only ornament she had as a memory of her mother. She explained to Georgiana that the chain with the emerald pendant belonged to her mother and explained the story behind it.
“It is beautiful, and I have not seen such a beautiful pendant. You must wear this then, as you wanted to.”
Elizabeth had chosen to wear the chain because she wanted her mother’s blessings and presence for the evening. Even though she had never seen her mother before, she loved the woman who had given birth to her, and no matter how bitter the truth was that she was born an illegitimate child, she could not be angry with her mother.
“What if I wear both?” she asked Georgiana.
Georgiana immediately helped her wear both chains and artfully adjusted the lengths to suit Elizabeth’s neckline.
“Perfect,” she cried out of excitement.
“Both chains look lovely together and on you. I am certain Fitzwilliam will be mesmerized by your beauty,” Georgiana said.
