Page 40 of The Governess of My Heart
However, Elizabeth understood that something troubled Georgiana as she knew that her brother had forbidden her from having any visitors. Elizabeth could sense that she loved her brother very much, but one moment, her face lit up while talking about him, and the next moment, a cloud of sadness engulfed her.
Something is troubling her for sure.
One evening, they sat in the parlor having tea. Elizabeth noticed the nature of the conversation between Lady Isabella and Georgiana.
“How come you did not accompany your brother, Miss Darcy? Were you not tempted to shop for the latest fashion there?” Lady Isabella asked, sipping her tea.
“I do not have much interest in shopping. Moreover, my brother wanted me to return to Derbyshire,” she said in a small voice.
Elizabeth could sense that Georgiana was uncomfortable with the topic.
Lady Isabella tried her best to converse with Georgiana, but nothing seemed to engage her. All the topics she initiated were about fashion, her relations in town, or the properties they owned. Within five minutes, Lady Isabella was frustrated by Georgiana’s disinterest.
“I hope to see you soon,” she said and headed upstairs.
Georgiana heaved a sigh of relief as Lady Isabella left the room, and Elizabeth smiled.
“Miss Smith, please do not assume me to be arrogant. I am unable to enjoy conversations like these; sometimes, they are very overwhelming,” she said with guilt.
“Even someone who has spent merely a few minutes in your company would not assume you to be arrogant,” she said, smiling.
“I am certain she thinks poorly of me.”
“You answered all her questions with grace. I wonder why would she think poorly of you?”
“To be honest, you are the only person I have felt comfortable talking to,” Georgiana said gratefully.
“My brother would say I need to be more confident conversing with acquaintances. But when they all talk only about materialistic things or my brother’s interests, I find it very uncomfortable.”
“I can understand.”
“Do not think I am flattering you, but I find you brave. I am sorry if this may hurt you. I do not know if I would even survive if I were in a situation similar to yours. My brother is my guardian and has kept me safe all these years. I am not even sensible enough to differentiate between good and bad, which is why I greatly admire you. I am so glad to have met you,” Georgiana said, with feeling.
Even though she touched on a sensitive topic, Elizabeth could sense that Georgiana was genuinely scared of the world.
“I have not always been brave. All of us have our flaws. Please do not be too harsh on yourself.”
Georgiana was silent.
“I can see that you love your brother a lot,” Elizabeth said.
“I do. He has showered love and affection on me more than I deserve. My cousin Richard and Fitzwilliam share my custody.”
She explained about her family and the death of her parents.
“But I cannot say I never experienced my mother’s love. Lady Martha treats us like her own children. Without my brother in Pemberley, I have always found happiness in Ashton Park, and now that you are here, I am even happier.”
Elizabeth smiled at her. Whenever she saw Georgiana, she remembered Mary.
The sisters wrote to each other often, but for both of them, being separated was very painful.
She learned from Mary that life in Longbourn was very chaotic.
…Everyone has been concerned about your disappearance, especially Sir William. Papa and Mamma have spread the word that you left to live with Aunt Gardiner. Do not misjudge them to be concerned about your reputation, Lizzy. They want to save themselves from disgrace. If they revealed the truth, they would have to explain why you chose to run away…
Mary’s words echoed in her mind.
“Miss Smith?” Georgiana called out to Elizabeth.
