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“Certainly,” Elizabeth said, focusing on the children and trying her best not to think about Darcy.

But I have to endure dinner with him.

The children finished their lessons and 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, dragging her to the gardens.

Georgiana was impressed with Elizabeth as she had taught them a lot about nature.

“Do you like to garden, Miss Smith?” she asked.

“To be honest, I do not enjoy it much. But I enjoy spending time outdoors and love to explore nature.”

“You must visit our estate, as I would love to show you around. There are many beautiful trails that lead to the woods.”

“I shall, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, feeling uncomfortable about the topic. She had not wanted to visit before, thinking her brother would find it unacceptable, but now that she knew about Darcy's identity and their bitter encounters, she was certain she wouldn’t be welcome.

However, Georgiana pressed her again.

“Please, why would you not visit? I have been inviting you almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance.”

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, and as expected, Darcy and Lord Ashton joined them. Elizabeth composed herself as they sat down to eat, and Darcy sat directly opposite her.

Georgiana was seated beside her and Elizabeth did not want to make it evident that she was uncomfortable in her brother’s presence.

My courage always rises in every attempt to intimidate me. I must not allow my thoughts to get the better of me.

Elizabeth noticed Darcy listening carefully to her conversation with his sister.

“My brother enjoys reading as much as you do,” Georgiana said to Elizabeth and Darcy understood that she was trying to make him join the conversation.

He looked at Elizabeth, and without hesitation 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 that intrigue me. May I dare to ask about your preference?”

“I like to read about history.”

“Oh! You love poetry too, don’t you?” Georgiana asked.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy and clearly enjoyed his embarrassment.

“Yes! I do.”

“My brother gifted me some new books; they have lovely sonnets.”

“Is that so? That is wonderful, indeed. I am certain your brother has a great talent for selecting books,” she said, looking at Darcy sarcastically.

Darcy was shocked at her direct attempt to ridicule him. He did not remember anyone teasing him so except his cousin Richard.

“You will find the library at Pemberley enticing. The children do not have lessons on Saturday. Will you join us for tea?” Georgiana asked eagerly.

Elizabeth did not know what to reply, and Darcy had seldom seen his sister be this forward and confident in inviting anyone to their home. He knew from Georgiana that she had 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 at Pemberley,” he said to her earnestly.

Elizabeth was shocked to receive an invitation from him, and Lady Isabella looked at Darcy with astonishment.

Elizabeth could sense that his invitation was not customary and that his words were sincere. She could not understand why he would want her to be his guest after their previous uncomfortable encounters.

Why does he want me to visit his estate? I am certain he considers me rude and impolite.

“Miss Smith, what do you say?” Lady Martha asked. She had not pressed Elizabeth before but wanted her to consider it now.

“I thank you for your invite, sir. I would be happy to join you all on Saturday,” she said, unable to decline the request.

Georgiana beamed with delight, and Darcy saw genuine happiness on his sister’s face after so many days.

He could see that Elizabeth 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. Later, Georgiana left along with her brother in happy spirits.

“You seem pleased to have your friend visit Pemberley,” he said to Georgiana in the carriage.

“Yes, brother. She has never called on me, and I am so glad she accepted. I must thank you for inviting her.”

“Why did she not visit earlier? Is there a reason?” he asked puzzled.

“I do not know. Lady Martha asked me not to press her,” Georgiana said and remained silent for a few minutes. “She knew that I was not allowed visitors except the Ashtons, so maybe she felt she was an outsider.”

“Georgiana, I would not have had any problem with Miss Smith visiting you in my absence, either. 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 and now, they look a lot happier.”

“She takes care of them so well and even Mrs. Davidson seems a lot more relaxed now”

Darcy was happy to see his sister talk to him with the same ease as before, and he realized that Georgiana conversed with him freely only because the topic revolved around Elizabeth.

“Did you spend much time in Ashton Park in the past months?”

“Yes! I enjoy being there.”

They continued their conversation until they reached Pemberley, and Georgiana ran into the house excitedly as Darcy headed to his study. He had an unfinished letter for Richard and sat down to finish it.

Finally, I can tell him that Georgiana has found a friend.