Page 131 of The Governess of My Heart
When they heard Lady Martha’s speech supporting the engagement, they felt devastated. Miss Anderson could no longer bear it and ran out of the ballroom. Her parents followed her upstairs to her room, and she felt cheated.
Understanding what had happened, Lady Martha shook her head with displeasure. She knew that her niece favored Darcy and understood that her sentiments were based on his wealth and looks; she had no affection for Darcy. She knew her brotherwould handle the matter at that point and chose to stay by Elizabeth’s side.
Within minutes, the music started, and Darcy led Elizabeth onto the dance floor to begin the dance. The other couples did not join them, wanting to give the first few minutes to them. Darcy was happy to be with her finally.
“Amidst all this, I am truly sorry for not mentioning this before. You look beautiful as ever, and if I stammered during the announcement, it was because of you,” he said as they started the dance. As for Elizabeth, the man she had met to be proud and non-expressive now surprised her through his words and actions.
“You look very handsome as well. Maybe I must direct the compliment towards your valet,” she said, mocking him.
Darcy smiled as she had a way to make him smile, irrespective of the situation and place.
“I am truly happy to wear your mother’s chain this evening. It was so thoughtful of you. Thank you!”
She quickly explained the history behind the other chain she wore, and Darcy was happy that she had something as a memory of her mother. In his heart, he wanted her to have everything apart from his love and protection.
They were oblivious to everyone around them, and as the music progressed, the other couples joined them on the dance floor.
“You will leave tomorrow; what will I do after that?” Darcy asked with irritation.
“Go about your routine as you usually do,” she replied.
“It has been many months since thoughts about you have occupied my entire day. Now that we are engaged, it will be even more difficult to part with you.”
“We shall be married soon, and I assure you it has not been easy for me. This evening has been truly wonderful; youhave given me everything, Fitzwilliam. Honestly, you are my everything,” she said, and Darcy noticed her eyes moisten. He longed to kiss her then and there but controlled his emotions.
“I love you!” he whispered as the first set ended.
He was surprised to find many acquaintances wanting to dance with Elizabeth and reluctantly left her side.
“It is indeed a pleasure to watch you both dance. Is Elizabeth happy? I could sense that she was stressed,” Lady Martha observed to him.
“She is; I am certain she was nervous about the announcement, but I must thank you for your support. Lady Martha, we need to leave for London soon. I want to meet Elizabeth’s uncle as soon as possible, and my sources are already working on knowing more about her family’s past.”
“I understand. I hope this visit helps her find what she is looking for. As much as it seems like a good choice to get married and leave, she has a point. Given how she left her home, it would make sense to have the engagement properly announced to her family and friends and then get married. She is very sensible for her age, and I am so proud of you both. I do not know if I had this maturity when I got engaged.”
Darcy nodded and looked around for Lord Anderson.
“Forgive me, where are Lord Anderson and his family?” he asked.
“Well, at present, they are upstairs, but I am certain my brother will join us soon,” Lady Martha said, and from the look on her face, he understood the circumstance. He respected Lord Anderson greatly but did not want to waste time contemplating why his family had left the gathering.
Elizabeth was still dancing with Lord Ashton, and he was happy to see her smile. According to Darcy, the evening was perfect.
Edmund and Emily enjoyed the celebration and all the attention they received from the guests. It was past their bedtime, and their nanny took them upstairs as they began to feel tired.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Miss Anderson cried uncontrollably.
“Mamma, break off this engagement. I cannot stand him marrying that servant; I just cannot. How could this be possible?”
“I do not know Beatrice, dear; maybe she compromised him.”
“Enough!” yelled Lord Anderson.
“For the past hour, I have been trying to talk some sense into you both. We are merely guests here, and your behavior is beyond acceptable. You do not have any relationship with Mr. Darcy; as far as I know, he has not conversed with you beyond a few words. You are upset because your mother has entertained your thoughts in this matter. Are you both not ashamed?”
“Why should we be ashamed? Mr. Darcy is marrying a servant, and your sister supports this match. Had she secured the match for Beatrice, none of this would have happened. And what about you? Do you even care about our daughter’s future? Don’t you want her to be well settled?”
“First of all, Miss Smith is not a servant, nor is my sister yours, to act as a puppet for your wishes. I want Beatrice to marry for love and to live well, not for money and status. I still keep forgetting that she has taken after you,” he cried.
