The Governess and Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosamund Redgrave

Author:Rosamund Redgrave [Redgrave, Rosamund]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Jane Austen, JAFF, Historical Romance
Goodreads: 217570759
Publisher: Redgrave Press
Published: 2024-08-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6 - Darcy

I WATCH HER ACROSS the room, her profile lit by the afternoon sun. She's speaking with Georgiana, a soft smile on her face, and I find myself captivated once more by the gentle grace of her movements. There's an ease to her demeanor, a warmth that draws me in.

But as I observe her, a faint stir of uncertainty rises within me. I'm aware of the differences in our stations, the expectations that come with my name and lineage. The governess and the master of the house—it's a line that shouldn't be crossed, and yet...

I find myself seeking out moments in her company, intrigued by her intelligence and the quiet strength I glimpse beneath her reserved exterior. Our conversations, though few, leave me with a sense of anticipation, a desire to know more.

Yet, I've kept my distance, uncertain of how to navigate these unfamiliar feelings. I'm accustomed to having my emotions firmly in check, but lately, a restlessness has taken hold, leaving me unsettled and off-balance.

I know I must confide in someone, and my thoughts turn to my sister, Georgiana. She's wise beyond her years, with a perceptiveness that belies her age.

At first, I hesitate, unsure of how to broach the subject. It's not often that I find myself in need of advice, and the very idea of discussing my personal feelings makes me uncomfortable. But as the days pass, the need to unburden myself grows stronger.

I seek her out in the library, where she often spends her afternoons. As I approach, I feel a nervousness that surprises me. Georgiana looks up from her book, her eyes curious, and I realize how infrequently I ask for her counsel.

"Georgiana," I begin, closing the door gently behind me. "Might I have a word?"

She marks her place with a slender finger and sets the book aside, giving me her full attention. "Of course, brother. Is something amiss?"

Her concerned gaze only adds to my discomfiture, and for a moment, I consider retreating into familiar stoicism. But then I remind myself that this is my sister, my confidant, the one person with whom I can set aside pretenses.

Taking a steadying breath, I begin, "It is... a delicate matter. One I find myself ill-equipped to navigate." The words come out in a rush, and I almost smile at my own awkwardness. But the seriousness of her expression grounds me, and I steady myself to continue. "It concerns Miss Bennet..."

I clear my throat, suddenly aware of how dry it has become. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, to be precise."

Georgiana's eyebrows rise slightly, but she remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

"I find myself... drawn to her," I admit, the words feeling foreign on my tongue. "Her wit, her intelligence, her spirit. They captivate me in a way I have never experienced before."

My sister leans forward, her eyes widening. "Fitzwilliam, are you saying you're in love with her?"

I pause, considering her question. "I... I am not certain. These feelings are unfamiliar to me. I have always prided myself on my self-control, on making decisions based on reason rather than emotion.

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