Page 49 of The Governess of My Heart
It was the first evening the siblings sat together in the parlor after Darcy had returned.
After about ten minutes of silence, he gave his sister the books he had bought from town; Darcy had also added the books he had purchased from the bookstore in Lambton. However, he could not give the book Elizabeth had chosen to Georgiana, as he felt guilty for the way he had behaved at the bookstore and wondered if he would ever meet Elizabeth again. He did not remember taunting any woman in his life, and could not understand why she had made him behave so.
Georgiana’s face lit up with joy as she saw the books.
“These books are wonderful. Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana said.
“I am glad you like them,” Darcy said, smiling at her, wishing to break the wall of awkwardness between them.
We cannot be like this, Georgiana. I need my sister again.
“Mrs. Annesley informed me that you are progressing well with your lessons. I am happy and proud of you.”
Georgiana looked at him as she was shocked to hear his praise.
“I apologize for leaving you for so long,” he said with feeling as Georgiana struggled to meet his eye.
“I know you have been lonely here,” he said, hoping to initiate conversation.
“I visit Ashton Park often and have made friends with someone there.”
“Lady Isabella?” Darcy asked.
“No! Edmund and Emily have a new governess, Miss Smith, and she is a very kind and intelligent, Brother. She loves to readand plays beautifully. I love spending time with her,” she said with excitement.
Darcy was surprised at her words as it was the first time she had spoken to him without restraint since he had arrived home.
“I am glad you have found someone with similar interests,” he said.
“The children like her a lot, too.”
“Is she from Derbyshire?”
“No, she is from town,” Georgiana said and hesitated, “She has no family except a distant aunt.”
Darcy listened keenly and Georgiana went on about how much she enjoyed Elizabeth’s company.
“I can introduce you to her if we visit Ashton Park soon,” she said with excitement.
Darcy was curious to know more about the woman who had impressed his sister as he found Georgiana genuinely happy with her new friend.
“I would be happy to make her acquaintance,” he said, not showing concern in his voice.
He knew Georgiana was naïve and fervently hoped that she was not deceived again for the sake of her wealth.
Darcy later met with Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper of Pemberley. He trusted her with his estate and Georgiana’s welfare while he was away.
“What would you like to know about the new governess of Ashton Park, sir?” Mrs. Reynolds asked.
“Please do not misconstrue my intention here. I am not concerned that Georgiana prefers the company of someone employed in Ashton Park, but she seldom forms friendships within a short period. I am curious to know more about her friend. What is your opinion of her?”
“Well, sir! I meet Miss Smith every week at the church. I can see that she has become a part of the family in Ashton Park.She is young, maybe twenty or a year more. As Miss Darcy mentioned, she has no family except for a distant relative in town. I have seen her converse with Miss Darcy, and in my opinion, she is a respectable and intelligent young woman. Miss Darcy enjoys her company and often visits Ashton Park for the same,” Mrs. Reynolds said.
Though satisfied with her answer, he wanted to know for himself. He was surprised to learn from Georgiana that Elizabeth never visited Pemberley despite several invitations.
Lady Martha is wise. She would not employ someone without confidence in her character and background.
He thought and cursed himself when he recollected his lapse of judgement with Mrs. Younge.
