Chapter 18: A formal introduction
It was the first evening they sat together in the parlour after Darcy had returned.
After about ten minutes of silence, he gave his sister the books he had brought from the bookstore in town. He had also added the books he got from Lambton. But he did not give her the book that Elizabeth had chosen. He felt guilty for what had transpired at the store. He did not remember taunting any woman in his life.
The moment she saw the books, he noticed Georgiana's face light up.
Darcy realised he must try to break formality with her.
"These books are wonderful. Thank you, Fitzwilliam." Georgiana said to her brother.
"I am glad you like them." Darcy said, smiling at her.
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. She was shocked to hear his praise.
"I apologise for leaving you for so long." He said genuinely.
Georgiana struggled to meet his eye.
"I know you have been lonely here." He said, hoping to initiate conversation.
"I visit Ashton Park often. I have made friends with someone there."
"Lady Isabella?" Darcy asked.
"No! Edmund and Emily have a new governess. Her name is Miss Smith. She is very kind and intelligent, brother. She loves to read and plays beautifully. I love spending time with her." She said with excitement.
Darcy was surprised at her words. It was the first time he had seen her excited.
"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 does not have any family except a distant aunt."
Darcy listened keenly.
Georgiana went on about how much she enjoyed Elizabeth's company.
"I can introduce her if we can visit Ashton Park soon." She said with excitement.
Darcy was curious t know about the new governess and meet her in person.
He found Georgiana to be 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. He fervently hoped that she was not deceived again for the sake of her wealth.
He later met with the housekeeper of Pemberley Mrs Reynolds.
He trusted her with his estate and Georgiana's welfare when 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 she prefers the company of someone employed in Ashton Park. Georgiana seldom makes friends within such a short period. I am curious to know how she formed a friendship with Miss Smith. 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. I think she is 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. In my opinion, she is a respectable and intelligent young woman. Miss Darcy enjoys her company." Mrs Reynolds said.
Darcy was satisfied with her answer. But he wanted to know for himself.
He learned from Georgiana that Elizabeth never visited Pemberley despite several invitations from Georgiana.
Lady Martha is wise. She would not employ someone without confidence in her character and background.
He cursed himself when he recollected his lapse of judgement with Mrs Younge.
In Ashton Park, the family was thrilled with news about Darcy's arrival in Pemberley.
"I am so glad Fitzwilliam is back." Lord Philip said.
His wife agreed heartily.
"I am certain Georgiana is elated. I hope he marries soon. That will tie him to Pemberley." Lady Martha said.
Elizabeth sat in silence. She did not know what to expect of Darcy's arrival. The next morning Elizabeth sat with the children, doing their lessons.
A servant came with the message that she was required downstairs.
Elizabeth did not like to take a break during the lessons, but she was hardly interrupted during her routine.
She asked the nanny to keep an eye on the children and left downstairs.
When she entered the parlour, she was happy to see Georgiana along with Lady Martha and Lady Isabella.
They greeted each other with warmth.
"I apologise for not coming earlier." Georgiana said.
"That is all right. I am happy that your brother is back." Elizabeth said. She assumed that Georgiana had come alone.
After some time, Lady Isabella left them. She never enjoyed being in the company of Elizabeth.
In a few minutes, the parlour door opened, and in entered Lord Philip and Darcy.
All the women stood, and Elizabeth was horrified at the sight of Darcy.
Her momentary confusion turned into horror when she saw the smiling face of Georgiana.
Darcy's reaction was nothing less.
He had visited Ashton Park looking forward to meeting Lady Martha and Georgiana's new friend. He met Lord Philip in the study before he walked into the parlour.
He was shocked to see the same woman he had met at the cliff standing next to Georgiana.
He stared at her seeing her face mirror his expression. Elizabeth was utterly horrified to discover the identity of the man who had saved her life.
"Fitzwilliam, allow me to introduce you to Miss Smith. She is a happy addition to Ashton Park. Miss Smith is our new governess, and if I can speak for Georgiana, Georgiana's good friend." Lady Martha said, smiling.
Darcy composed himself and bowed to Elizabeth.
"It is good to meet you, Miss Smith." He said with composure.
"It is good to meet you, sir." Elizabeth said, hoping her face did not reveal her true feelings.
She was distressed beyond measure. Oh! God! How am I to even converse with him? I am certain he hates me as much as I hate him. What if he tells Lady Martha that I was standing close to the cliff that day?
His thoughts engulfed her as she sat down. Elizabeth struggled to look in the direction of Darcy.
Both of them saw Georgiana's smiling face and felt guilty.
"Fitzwilliam informs me that he has no plan of returning to town. I am certain you are happy with the news." Lord Philip said, looking at Georgiana.
"Indeed, I am." Georgiana said.
Elizabeth wanted to leave the room. She contemplated whether it would be disrespectful.
Darcy watched her as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
He could not understand how her shy sister befriended someone like Elizabeth, who had a completely different personality.
"How are the children doing? It seems like ages since I saw them." Darcy asked Lady Martha.
"They are happy to have their father back at Ashton Park. They are pretty occupied with their lessons with Miss Smith." Lady Martha said.
"Can I see them?" Darcy asked.
"Of course. Miss Smith, could you spare the children for a few minutes? They will be elated to see Fitzwilliam."
"Certainly." She said.
Darcy stood. Georgiana joined him and asked Elizabeth to take them to the children's study room.
Elizabeth led both of them upstairs. Georgiana kept talking to Elizabeth with excitement. Darcy could not recognise his sister.
In a few moments that Elizabeth and Darcy locked eyes, they struggled to guess what the other was feeling.
The children were thrilled to see Darcy.
"Fitzwilliam." They cried and flung themselves on him.
"Look at my little friends. You both have grown so much since I saw you last. I have missed you a lot." Darcy said with love. He handed them the gifts he had brought from town.
The children squealed with joy when they opened their gifts.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth. For the first time since they had met, he saw her smiling. She was smiling at the children.
He was captivated by her beautiful smile. There was something genuine and warm in her smile. He thought she looked more beautiful when she did.
He wanted to know more about it, not just for the sake of his sister.
He knew that he was solely responsible for their second meeting at the bookstore turning bitter.
Elizabeth caught him looking at her, and her smile disappeared immediately.
She did not have the slightest idea of his thoughts.
Why is he looking at me so? Maybe he wants to ruin my employment here. She knew he was more than a friend to the Ashton family.
"Fitzwilliam, see this. Miss Smith, helped me paint these." Emily held her painting for Darcy to see.
It was a pretty tulip.
Elizabeth admired the artwork and looked at Elizabeth.
"It is beautiful indeed." He said, directing his words at her.
"Thank.. thank you. Emily worked very hard to learn it." Elizabeth replied politely. It was the first time they spoke to each other after the introduction.
"Brother, Miss Smith, does paint beautifully. Georgiana exclaimed.
It was becoming obvious that Georgiana wanted him to approve of their friendship.
"Did you train formally?" He asked Elizabeth.
"No, sir. It has been a hobby that I didn't explore further." She said.
Lord Philip joined them.
"Aren't the children progressing well? What do you think, Fitzwilliam? I am glad that they are in good hands."
"I agree." Darcy said and looked at Elizabeth with a smile.
She did not return it.
"We will join you for dinner. I have truly missed your brother's company, Georgiana." Lord Philip said, looking forward to their ride.
"I will see you soon, sweetling." Darcy said to Georgiana. Elizabeth could see how affectionate he was towards his sister.
He looked at Elizabeth and bowed, and left them.
Elizabeth had a huge sigh of relief when he left.
"Can I sit here and read my book? When you finish your lessons?" She asked Elizabeth.
"Certainly." Elizabeth said and started focusing on the children.
She tried her best not to think about Darcy.
But I have to endure supper with him.
The children finished their lessons. They wanted to show Georgiana the seeds they had planted.
"Come, Georgi, my seeds have started to grow. I am certain they will grow fast." Edmund said and dragged her to the gardens.
Georgiana was impressed with Elizabeth. She had taught them a lot about nature.
"Do you like to garden, Miss Smith?" She asked.
"To be honest, I don't. But I enjoy spending time outdoors. I love to explore nature."
"You must come to Pemberley. I would love to show you around. We have beautiful gardens and many trails close to our estate."
"I shall, Miss Darcy." Elizabeth said, feeling uncomfortable about the topic. She did not want to visit before, thinking her brother would find it untoward. But now knowing who her brother was, she was certain that she wouldn't be welcome.
Georgiana pressed her again.
"Please, Miss Smith, I have been inviting you almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance. Why wouldn't you come? I would really be happy if you visit Pemberley."
Elizabeth did not know what to reply.
"I find my duties here keeping me engaged all day. Someday I would definitely come." She said, feeling sorry to disappoint Georgiana.
Elizabeth was well prepared to meet Darcy during supper.
Darcy and Lord Philip joined them for supper. Elizabeth composed herself as they sat down to eat. Darcy sat directly opposite her.
She sat next to Georgiana.
Elizabeth did not want to show that his presence affected her. My courage always rises in every attempt to intimidate me.
Elizabeth noticed Darcy listen carefully to her conversation with his sister.
"My brother enjoys reading as much as you do." Georgiana said to Elizabeth.
Darcy understood that she was trying to make him join the conversation.
He looked at her, and without thinking she directed a question at him.
"What do you like to read, Mr Darcy?" She asked confidently.
"I do not have a particular favorite. I read all kinds of books. And what about you, Miss Smith?" He asked her.
"I like to read about history."
"Oh! You love poetry too, don't know?" Georgiana asked.
Elizabeth looked at Darcy and clearly enjoyed his embarrassment.
"Oh! Yes! I do."
"My brother got me some new books, they have lovely sonnets."
"Is that so? That is wonderful. I am certain your brother has a great art in selecting books." She said and looked at Darcy sarcastically.
Darcy was shocked at her direct attempt to ridicule him. He did not remember anyone teasing him so.
"You will find the library at Pemberley enticing. The children do not have lessons on saturday. Will you join me for tea?" Georgiana asked eagerly.
Elizabeth did not know what to reply.
Darcy had seldom seen her sister be this forward and confident in inciting anyone to their home.
He knew from Georgiana that she has invited her many times but Elizabeth had refused.
"Miss Smith, we would be happy to have you for tea on Saturday. I would like to invite you to join Lady Martha and visit us in Pemberley." He said to her.
Elizabeth was shocked to get an invitation from Darcy. Lady Isabella looked at Darcy with astonishment.
Elizabeth could sense that his invite was not customary. His words were earnest. She could not understand why he would want her to be his guest after their previous encounters.
He wants me to visit his estate?
"Miss Smith, what do you say?" Lady Martha asked. She had not pressed Elizabeth before.
"I thank you for your invite, sir. I would be happy to join you all on Saturday." She said.
Georgiana beamed with happiness when Elizabeth accepted.
Darcy saw happiness on his sister's face after so many days.
He could see that Elizbeth had become a part of the Ashton family in the few months of being employed there.
Somehow, to him, there was something mysterious about her.
Georgiana left along with her brother in happy spirits.
"You seem very happy to have your friend visit Pemberley." He said to Georgiana in the carriage.
"Oh! Yes, brother. She has never visited so far. I am so glad she accepted. Thank you for inviting her."
"Why did she not visit earlier?" He asked puzzled.
"I do not know. Lady Martha asked me not to press her." Georgiana was silent for a few minutes. "She knew that I was not allowed visitors except the Ashtons. Maybe she felt she was an outsider."
"Georgiana, I would not have had any problem with Miss Smith visiting you in my absence as well. I have full trust in Lady Martha."
"But..but what do you think about her? I like her a lot, Fitzwilliam."
"Well! We just met. But I think she has done remarkably well with the children. I remember them being very sad when they lost their mother. Now, they look a lot happier."
"She takes care of them so well. Even their nanny seems a lot more relaxed."
Darcy was happy to be convenient with his sister.
He realised only because of Elizabeth Georgiana was conversing with him freely.
"Did you spend lot of time in Ashton Park in the past months?"
"Oh! Yes! I enjoy being there."
They carried on their conversation until they reached Pemberley. Georgiana ran into the house with excitement.
Darcy went to his study. He had an unfinished letter for Richard.
He sat down to finish it.
Finally, I can tell him that Georgiana has found a friend.