A Wilful Misunderstanding (Happily Ever After with Mr Darcy #2)

Prologue

The sound of his voice made her stiffen with shock. She had the book she intended to purchase in her hand, and she clutched it to her bosom, panic causing her heart to race.

He asked the proprietor for a book. The History of Little Goody Two Shoes—a children’s book, what did he want with that?—but it did not signify, all she knew was that she needed to escape.

“This way, sir,” said Mr Richie, the proprietor, and Elizabeth knew an immediate escape was paramount.

Elizabeth wound around the shelf on soundless feet, quietly passing the point where Darcy might have glanced up and seen her; thankfully, he had his head down examining the book in his hands and as a result, saw nothing.

Elizabeth scarcely breathed as she crossed the open section of floor, careful to avoid the board she knew had a tendency to squeak.

Belatedly, she realised she still had the book in her hand and gingerly laid it upon the counter, resolving to purchase it some other day.

Darcy’s head remained in his book, his back to his fleeing wife.

For a brief moment, she ached, seeing that chestnut curl between his hat and collar, wishing he was purchasing a book for their son, wishing she could go to him and slip her hand in his arm. But a quick shake of her head dispelled that foolishness. Get out now! she ordered herself.

There was a bell on the door, but Elizabeth knew it would not jangle if she opened it slowly. Inch by excruciating inch, she pressed the door, her mind begging the bell to remain silent, until it opened just enough for her to slip through.

Then, just as a successful escape was nigh, Mr Richie turned, espying her. “Good day, Mrs Elizabeth!” he called out loudly.

Elizabeth jumped at his cry, inadvertently hitting the door, which flew the rest of the way open with a raucous jangle. She glanced over her shoulder where Darcy had looked up from the book. His gaze locked on hers immediately.

“Elizabeth!” He cried out, dropping the book to the floor with a loud crash.

As fast as she could, Elizabeth ran.