Page 61 of The Governess of My Heart
“Good morning, sir,” she said and stood.
“I hope you are feeling well,” he asked.
“And why would you think that I am unwell?” Elizabeth blurted out with irritation.
Darcy was silent. Elizabeth expected him to be angry at her outburst, but all she saw in his eyes was the softest expression and concern she had ever seen from him.
“I am well, thank you,” she said, unable to hold his gaze.
“Georgiana should be awake now, and I assume the Ashtons are not early risers. You could break your fast with us,” he said with warmth.
Elizabeth nodded her head.
“You have a beautiful garden,” she said, trying her best to converse with him cordially.
“My mother had a great interest in gardening, and we have retained everything to her taste.”
Elizabeth did not know what to reply to, as she could sense the sadness in his voice.
“Miss Darcy must take after her mother; she gave me a lot of insight about many flowers,” she said.
“She does enjoy gardening.”
There was another awkward moment of silence, and they looked at each other. Both of them struggled to carry on the conversation.
“Shall we head inside?” Darcy asked, offering his arm.
Elizabeth took it, and they walked indoors. They left for their respective rooms.
Just like Elizabeth, Darcy had spent a restless night and could not understand his feelings toward her. He had left for a ride in the morning, feeling unsettled as he rode into the woods and tried to get a grip on his feelings.
I admire her, and I cannot deny it. But how could it be love?
He wondered.
I have hardly known her for a month.
He was certain it was not merely an attraction for her beauty as he admired her intelligence, character, and kindness.
It will not do; I cannot entertain this thought. How can I even think this way? She is an employee at Ashton Park.
He was determined that the feelings he had developed for Elizabeth would soon pass and rode back to Pemberley with resolve. He walked from the stables toward the house, reassuring himself of the matter.
She will leave today, and in future I can limit my time in her company. My feelings will pass.
He walked along the path from the stables that led to the east side of the house and suddenly stopped.
The sight of Elizabeth sitting in the gardens captivated his attention, and he was unable to move.
He could see from a distance that she was deep in thought and could not brush aside the memory of his mother sitting on the same bench as it was her favorite place in that garden.
That instant, all his resolve had melted away, and he had walked into the gardens to see her.
He sat in his room now contemplating his stupidity.
I could have easily avoided meeting her, but I could not. What is wrong with me?
He met Georgiana and Elizabeth again in the breakfast parlor, and Darcy was silent and said very little.
