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D arcy stood before Lady Martha, witnessing the evident shock on her face after his declaration.

It was Thursday morning, and the previous days had passed swiftly for Darcy and Elizabeth as they met during the morning walks.

They decided to announce their engagement during the ball, and as planned, Darcy had informed Georgiana of the happy news before leaving to meet Lady Martha that morning.

“Oh, brother, I cannot express my happiness. I cannot believe it; she is the most wonderful person I have ever met. I am certain you will be very happy. Congratulations,” she cried and threw herself into her brother’s arms.

Georgiana understood that he must love Elizabeth deeply, as he had never favored any woman in their acquaintance anywhere.

In the past few years, she was almost certain that he would never marry, but now she was thrilled with the news.

Georgiana did not care about society; she was certain that Darcy would not allow anyone to separate them.

Darcy also informed Georgiana of Elizabeth’s original identity and the painful details about her past, and the truth made Georgiana cry.

“How could her parents be so cruel toward her? All these months, she never expressed her sorrow to me, and I cannot believe Mr. Collins to be such a characterless man. I want to see her right away.”

Darcy informed her that he was going to Ashton Park to meet Lady Martha, and Georgiana understood the need to allow them privacy and decided to stay behind.

Now, he stood in the study along with Lady Martha. He had arrived early, aware that the men would be out riding.

“Fitzwilliam, pardon me, did I hear you right?” Lady Martha asked in shock.

“You did. I am engaged to Elizabeth,” he said, feeling content to address her that way.

“Since when?”

“Not long ago; she agreed to marry me a couple of days ago.”

Lady Martha could hardly believe her ears.

“Please understand, except for Georgiana, who became aware this morning, no one else knows.”

“Fitzwilliam, please do not mistake me, but how much do you know of her to offer for her?”

“I know everything; I am aware of her identity,” he said, quickly explaining the past events in Hertfordshire and how he became aware of Elizabeth’s true identity.

“Good heavens! I cannot believe it. I knew she was worried about something a few days ago, but I wish she had told me. Now, what do you plan to do? Are you getting married soon?”

Darcy was inwardly glad that he had the time to discuss everything with Elizabeth before this meeting.

“We plan to head to town after the ball. I have already written to Richard, giving him particulars of Elizabeth’s mother’s family.

I am certain we would be able to unravel the truth.

Whatever happens, I will stand beside her, and we plan to marry soon.

Elizabeth favors getting married in Derbyshire, so we will return and get married here. ”

“You seem to have thought everything through thoroughly,” she said, her voice clearly expressing that she was hurt at being sidelined in this affair.

“Yes, we did.”

“I hope you have thought about the scrutiny of society as well.”

“I do not care. Nothing can alter my feelings for her; in my eyes, she is my equal. I have not seen a kind, compassionate, and intelligent woman like Elizabeth in all my life. But since you mentioned it, I would like to know your opinion about the same. Do you care about what society would say about this matter?” he asked.

Lady Martha was silent and battled many emotions within. As much as she was shocked by the news, the probability of Elizabeth leaving Ashton Park saddened her beyond measure. After deep thought, she answered.

“No, I do not care. Honestly, if I ever cared about society, I would have never employed her, as I was well aware that someday she would have to disclose her true identity to the world. When she set foot here, she explained everything honestly and was willing to return to town if I did not favor her. Since that day, she has gained my respect and admiration. Apart from the gossip of you marrying a governess, which we may have to endure for a while, there is nothing anyone can have against her.”

Darcy was relieved to hear her sentiments. He respected Lady Martha, and to him, she was more like a mother, so getting her consent was important.

“I just have one question for you. How long have you been in love with her?”

“Quite long, even before I left Derbyshire recently.”

Lady Martha did not want to invade into the details. But she somehow understood that their relationship had blossomed in her presence, even though she had been blind to it.

“Do you want me to keep this news to myself until the ball? I want to enjoy myself for a couple of days watching you both struggle amongst company,” she said with a laugh.

Darcy smiled.

“Please understand that Elizabeth is very attached to you and the children. Even though she is happy to marry me, I can sense her sadness in leaving Ashton Park.”

“I knew she would leave someday, but not so soon. She has given so much to the children despite such sorrow in her heart and deserves to be happy, and I am glad she is not going far away. Fitzwilliam, trust me, your mother would approve of this match. She was my best friend, and I can mirror her sentiments in this matter. Anne would have given you her consent just like I did now; she has always believed in true love. And after seeing you all these years, I am so glad you found yours.”

Her heartfelt words touched Darcy.

“I am glad to have your consent in this matter, and Elizabeth will be happy to hear the same.”

“Even though you are engaged now, I must say she is still my responsibility. I suggest she returns to Ashton Park after the ball, and you can take her to London as planned from here.”

As much as Darcy wanted her to stay in Pemberley, he understood Lady Martha’s reasoning.

“We will stay in Pemberley tomorrow as planned, and I would be happy to keep the news to myself and enjoy the surprise on everyone’s face during the ball,” she declared.

Darcy nodded and wondered if he could see Elizabeth before leaving.

“I suggest you get going. Now that I know about the engagement, I will not allow you to spend time together without a chaperone. If you would like to, I can call her, and you can spend time with her in my company,” she said with a smirk.

Darcy did not enjoy her teasing.

“I shall see you tomorrow,” he said, leaving Ashton Park a little disappointed that he had not been able to see Elizabeth.

Once he left, Lady Martha sat down with a sigh, unable to believe the surprising developments.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was restless in her room.

She had not broken her fast yet and knew Darcy was in the house to meet Lady Martha.

She saw the Darcy carriage leave Ashton Park from her window and felt unsettled.

She was worried as to how Lady Martha would react to their engagement.

Elizabeth knew how society would react to Darcy marrying a governess, but he had assured her that he would not let anyone impact their life and happiness.

But she was certain that Lady Martha’s consent was important to them.

What if she does not favor him marrying so low? She may like me, but what if she objects to our match, citing the repercussions? Anyone concerned about Fitzwilliam’s welfare will never approve of this match.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a servant informing her that her presence was requested in the study.

Elizabeth prepared herself for the conversation; a part of her felt guilty for leaving Ashton Park and wondered if somehow her relationship with Lady Martha would be altered because of her marriage.

She knocked on the door and entered with anticipation. Lady Martha stood by the window and looked at her calmly.

“I am sorry, Elizabeth; I was under the impression that you trusted me. I did not imagine you lived here all these months, thinking that I would not support you in any way.”

“Lady Martha I…”

“Please let me finish. I am unaware of all the details about your relationship with Fitzwilliam. Still, I am sensible enough to understand that he did not propose out of the blue, nor did you accept in a hurry. You both hid your feelings very well. I do not want to press for any details, but if you all needed someone to talk to or guide you, you could have come to me. I cannot imagine how lonely you have felt here,” she said with feeling.

“Please do not say so; I cannot explain how much you mean to me. As you mentioned, our feelings blossomed in front of your eyes, but please trust me, neither of us was aware of each other’s regard in this matter for a very long time.

And I never expected to marry him, because of so many reasons that are quite self-explanatory.

But a few days before, I met him during my walk and understood how much he loved me.

In truth, I love and respect Mr. Darcy, and I cannot imagine a life without him which is why I agreed to marry him.

It would pain me if you think I have neglected you in this matter because, for a very long time, I neglected my own feelings.

” She continued, “Lady Martha, I can sense that you are angry with me, but please do not detest me. I cannot bear it,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“Detest you? How could I? I love and care for you just as I would for Philip. I apologize for not saying this first, I am elated about your engagement, and you have my blessings.”

Elizabeth hugged Lady Martha in happiness, much to her surprise.

“I will miss you and the children. I am guilty of leaving them and worried how they may react,” she said with pain.

“Well, you are not going very far away, are you? Do not worry about the children; we can find another governess, though no one can live up to the expectations you have set.”