Page 31

Georgiana left Ashton Park with resolve, and once she reached Pemberley, she waited for Darcy in the study.

Darcy had been in a state of agony since the dance with Elizabeth the previous week, and her words tortured him day and night.

Why does she hate me so? I never imagined she saw me in such a poor light. Does she even have the slightest idea of my feelings for her? How could she not? Even if I try to, I cannot betray my feelings when I am with her.

He avoided going to Ashton Park due to his temperament and avoided Georgiana's company without thought. He never realized that his sister was confused and distressed about his behavior.

He was surprised to see Georgiana waiting for him in his study after her visit.

“Georgiana, what is it? I thought you planned to stay longer in Ashton Park today.”

“I did. But I returned, as … as I need to speak with you.”

“Is something wrong?” he asked with anxiety.

“I do not know how to ask you. But I have to. Is George Wickham causing any trouble again?” she asked, gathering courage.

When Wickham was mentioned, Darcy's face reddened, as it was the first time she had mentioned his name since his return.

He immediately walked up to his sister and held her hands.

“What happened? Did he contact you? Tell me, Georgi. I will not spare him.”

“No, he did not.”

“Then why do you even think he is causing trouble?”

“I do not know, maybe because, for the past week, you have been avoiding me. You barely spoke a few words to me every day,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“Good God! Georgiana, I am so sorry,” he cried, pulling her into his arms.

Georgiana sobbed in his embrace.

“I know you have all the right to be angry with me after what I did.”

“I am not, and what should I do to convince you? I do not blame you, nor am I angry with you. Why don't you believe me, Georgiana? After all these years, do you not trust my words?”

“I did. I thought everything was forgotten. But something has happened now, has it not? Otherwise, why would you avoid me so?”

“I am truly sorry if I made you think so. My mind has been engaged in something unrelated to this matter. You must believe me; I am not upset with you. I never think about Ramsgate and trust me; I have sources following Wickham in London; he will never cross our paths again.”

“What is bothering you then?”

Darcy could not tell her the truth.

“It is something related to business. I have been pressured by some affairs, and I never realized I neglected you because of the same. I am truly sorry.”

“So, you are not angry with me.”

“Of course not. Why did you not come to me before if you thought so? You can ask me anything. You are aware of that, right?”

“She said the same.”

“Who?”

“Miss Smith.”

“Miss Smith?”

“Do not be angry with me. I disclosed the Ramsgate incident to her; please trust me, I did not plan to. She comforted me today when I was upset, and I felt better after sharing it with her.”

Darcy was shocked.

“What did she say?”

“I know you always said I was not to blame, and I thought you said so to comfort me. But when Miss Smith said the same, I felt relieved.”

She quickly explained about the nature of their conversation.

“So, she did not want to advise you on opening up to me?”

“She did not. She said it was not fair for her to interfere between us. She really respects you a lot and said so many times.”

Darcy could not believe what he had heard.

After abusing me to my face, could she easily lie to Georgiana? If she said she respects me at all, then what about her anger the other day? How could that be possible?

“Was it wrong for me to tell her the truth, Brother?” Georgiana asked, worried to see his expression.

“No, it was not, and I trust Miss Smith for confidentiality. She cares for you, and I can see her genuine regard for you. She values the person you are and does not favor you because of your wealth or status.”

“I am aware of it. Since the day I met her, I could sense her genuine warmth. I am glad she came to Derbyshire.”

Darcy had to stop himself from declaring the same. From the conversation with his sister, he realized he had a hope of redemption in her eyes.

That night, he thought about Georgiana's confession. He realized that his shy sister had finally found a genuine friend and could not stop imagining them as sisters in the future.

If what Elizabeth said to my face was true, she would have never spoken highly of me to Georgiana. Could she have changed her mind?

In the past week he was convinced that she detested him, but now he felt a slight glimmer of hope.

Deep down in his heart, he was certain that he felt something from her side every time their eyes met to strengthen his love. He did not know what it was.

But he was certain that he could not be so deeply in love with a woman who was totally indifferent towards him.

Darcy knew that the only way to make her understand his feelings was to openly declare them to her. He wanted her to know what he truly felt in his heart, which was filled with love and admiration for the most beautiful woman he had seen so far.

Maybe she does not understand my feelings and intentions . She looks at me as a wealthy man who wants to play with her feelings and considering her situation in life, she has reasons to believe so.

He realized his responsibility was to make her understand how important she was to him.

He wanted to marry her and give her a life of happiness and joy. He did not care for society. According to him, her social status had no precedence to her character and kindness. She had impressed him in every way since the day they had met.

He knew it would not be easy to win her heart, but he was intent on one thing: He was going to try.