Page 70 of The Governess of My Heart
“Is that so? I thought she was quite well when I saw her some time ago,” Lady Martha exclaimed with a raised eyebrow.
“She has suddenly taken ill, and I do not want to press her.”
They decided to leave without Lady Isabella, and Elizabeth knew Darcy would be at the gathering. As much as she wasexcited to see Georgiana, she felt the opposite towards her brother.
The travel was short, and they were among the few guests who arrived early. Mrs. Hampton, one of Lady Ashton’s close friends, greeted them warmly.
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief when she did not see Darcy at the gathering. She sat down with her party and composed herself.
Mr. Anderson sat beside her. She somehow felt comfortable in his company as he conversed with her on various subjects and listened intently to her views. After ten minutes she noticed Georgiana and Darcy enter. Georgiana searched for Elizabeth in the crowd and found her seated with the Ashtons.
“Brother, there.”
She steered him in that direction, but Darcy did not need any assistance from his sister. He had come to the gathering with the only intention of seeing Elizabeth, and the moment he entered, his eyes were drawn to her.
She laughed at something Mr. Anderson had said and looked radiant in her evening gown, and Darcy was captivated by her.
“You look beautiful,” Georgiana exclaimed as she reached Elizabeth.
“Thank you. You as well, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth replied.
She curtsied to Darcy when everyone greeted each other.
“Where is Lady Isabella?” Georgiana asked.
“She felt unwell and could not join us.”
“Oh! That is too bad. How are the children?”
“They are well. They seem to enjoy Mr. Anderson’s company.”
“It is always cheerful when Mr. Anderson visits Ashton Park. Sometimes, I cannot believe Lady Sophia is no more.”
“The children mention her so many times daily. I hardly know how to handle it,” Elizabeth said with sadness.
“I have seen you handle their questions. I am certain no one can be so patient and affectionate towards them.”
“They are wonderful children.”
They had some refreshments, and the music started.
“I do look forward to seeing you dancing, Miss Smith,” Georgiana said with excitement.
“I do not have the slightest intention to dance.”
Elizabeth replied, horrified at the thought of dancing at the gathering. Though she had been to several social gatherings with the Ashton family, none had put her in a situation to dance.
“Why do you say that? Do you not enjoy dancing?”
“I don’t detest it. But at the moment, I do not think I favor the prospect,” she replied nervously.
“What about you? Are you excited to dance?”
“Of course not. You see, I have danced at some family gatherings with my brother and cousin, even with Lord Ashton, but never outside Pemberley.”
“I see.”
The party was informal, and the men came up to find partners for a dance when the music started. Elizabeth and Georgiana headed to the drinks table as they were thirsty, and the crowd had cleared to give the dancers some visibility. Suddenly, she turned around and came face to face with Darcy.
