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I t 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 read and 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 na?ve 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.

***

In Ashton Park, the family was thrilled about Darcy’s arrival in Pemberley.

“I am so glad that Fitzwilliam is back,” Lord Ashton said, and his wife agreed heartily.

“I am certain Georgiana is elated, and I hope he marries soon. Georgiana feels very lonely when he is away,” Lady Martha said.

Elizabeth sat silently and did not know what to expect of Darcy’s arrival. The next morning, she sat with the children, doing their lessons, and a servant came with the message that she was required downstairs.

Elizabeth did not like being interrupted during lessons, and wondered why she was needed.

She asked the nanny to watch the children and went downstairs.

When she entered the parlor, she was happy to see Georgiana sitting along with Lady Martha and Lady Isabella. They greeted each other with warmth.

“I apologize for not coming earlier,” Georgiana said.

“Please do not. I am happy that your brother has returned,” Elizabeth said, assuming that Georgiana had come alone.

After some time, Lady Isabella left them as she had never enjoyed being in Elizabeth’s company.

Within a few minutes, the parlor door opened and Lord Ashton and Darcy entered. All the women stood, and Elizabeth was bewildered at the sight of Darcy.

Her momentary confusion turned into horror when she saw Georgiana's smiling face, and Darcy’s reaction was nothing less.

He had visited Ashton Park and looked forward to meeting Lady Martha and Georgiana’s new friend. After spending time in the study with Lord Ashton, he walked into the parlor, eager for the introduction.

However, he was shocked to see the same woman he had met on the cliff standing next to Georgiana.

He stared at her seeing her face mirror his own sense of disbelief. 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 too, sir,” Elizabeth said, hoping her face did not reveal her true feelings.

She was distressed beyond measure.

Oh! God! How do I converse with him? I am certain he hates me as much as I hate him. What if he tells Lady Martha I was standing close to the cliff that day?

Her thoughts engulfed her as she sat down, and Elizabeth struggled to look in Darcy’s direction.

Both of them saw Georgiana’s smiling face and felt guilty.

“Fitzwilliam informs me that he has no plan of returning to town soon. I am certain you are happy with the news,” Lord Ashton said, looking at Georgiana.

“Indeed, I am,” Georgiana said.

Elizabeth wanted to leave the room but thought it would be disrespectful, and Darcy watched her closely 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, and Georgiana joined him and asked Elizabeth to take them to the children’s study room.

Elizabeth took them upstairs, and Georgiana kept talking to her with excitement, and Darcy could not recognize his sister.

In a few moments, Elizabeth and Darcy locked eyes they struggled to understand what the other felt.

The children were thrilled to see Darcy and flung themselves on him.

“Fitzwilliam!”

“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 and the children squealed with joy when they opened them.

For a moment, Darcy stole a glance at Elizabeth, and for the first time since they had met, he saw her smile. She smiled at the children and seemed lost in their happiness.

He was captivated by her beautiful smile. There was something genuine and warm in her smile and he thought she looked more attractive when she did.

He wanted to know more about it, not just for his sister's sake. Darcy knew that he was solely responsible for their second meeting at the bookstore turning bitter.

Elizabeth caught him staring, and her smile disappeared immediately. However, 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 because of how I treated him .

She knew he was more than a friend to the Ashton family.

“Fitzwilliam, see this. Miss Smith helped me paint these,” Emily said, holding her painting for Darcy to see.

It was a pretty tulip and Darcy admired the artwork and looked at Elizabeth.

“It is beautiful indeed,” he said, directing his words at her.

“Thank you. Emily worked very hard to learn it,” Elizabeth replied politely. This was the first time they spoke to each other after the introduction.

“Brother, Miss Smith does paint beautifully,” Georgiana exclaimed.

To Darcy it became apparent 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 as Lord Ashton 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, looking at Elizabeth with a smile.

However, she did not return it.

“We will join you for dinner. I have truly missed your brother’s company, Georgiana,” Lord Ashton said, looking forward to their engagements.

“I will see you soon, sweetling,” Darcy said to Georgiana and Elizabeth could see how affectionate he was towards his sister.

He looked at Elizabeth, bowed, and left them. Elizabeth sighed a huge relief when he left.

“Can I sit here and read my book while you finish your lessons?” Georgiana asked Elizabeth.