Chapter Eleven #3
Over Elizabeth’s repeated reproofs, the footmen stored multiple packages in Darcy’s carriage.
Two complete ensembles, in addition to the items Darcy chose earlier, would be conveyed to Darcy House, along with the items for Miss Bennet and Georgiana.
Another dress would be delivered to her aunt’s house by the day’s end.
“William will return soon,” Georgiana assured Elizabeth. “He had business with his solicitor.”
“Might we see some of the other shops on the street?” Jane asked as they waited.
Elizabeth caught her sister’s arm. “Let us walk.”
They strolled the length of the street before stopping to look at items in an upscale storefront. “May we go in?” Jane pointed to one of the displays. “I wish to discover a birthday gift for Mama.”
Georgiana led the way, but just as they reached the door of the shop, Elizabeth spotted a more intriguing store. She caught Georgiana’s arm. “Miss Darcy, I very much wish to explore the bookstore next door. Would you object to accompanying my sister?”
Georgiana looked around in uncertainty. Darcy would expect her to stay with Elizabeth. “I … I suppose,” she stammered, “but you should not go alone.” She motioned for one of the footmen. “Take Belton with you.”
The ringing of the bell on the door echoed throughout the store, but no one appeared to be in attendance when she entered the bookstore. Elizabeth waited patiently for several minutes before asking Belton, “Would you see if someone is available in the back, please?”
“Yes, Miss.” The footman made his way towards the rear of the store while Elizabeth leisurely browsed the floor-to-ceiling shelves to her right.
She drifted into one of the center aisles to read the titles.
Most dealt with historic battlefields, a sign of the public’s continued interest in Wellesley’s efforts against Napoleon.
Then a row of old bindings caught her eye.
Perhaps they are first editions, she thought.
Carefully, she tilted a book forward to look at it more closely.
Slavic Spiritualism, written in gold, enticed her to thumb through the pages.
She slid it back into place and selected another, titled Kathasaritsagara.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up when she found an image of a demon with blood dripping from his lips that illustrated a story dubbed “Baital Pachisi.”
Engrossed in the drawings, Elizabeth did not hear the man’s approach. “May I be of service, Miss?” his voice slithered past her as she jumped. “Do the black arts interest you?”
Elizabeth laughed nervously. “Heavens, no!” She shut the book quickly and shelved it. “I … I was looking for the poetry section. I was not confident anyone was around.”
“Yes, your man found me in the alley, unloading some boxes. I apologize for not hearing the bell.” He touched the books she handled, straightening them into an even row. “Poetry is this way, Miss.”
Elizabeth noted the man’s appearance—a bit disheveled—his clothing hanging on his frame—a florid face with beady eyes squinting behind spectacles. He would make the perfect schoolmaster, she thought. “Do you have a preference, Miss?” He stopped suddenly to look down at her.
“William Cowper.” She nearly forgot what she sought. “Something by William Cowper.”
The man’s gnarled fingers delicately selected one of the volumes and handed it to her. Elizabeth flipped through the pages and nodded. “This is excellent. Might I have it wrapped?”
“Yes, Miss.” The man reclaimed the tome and led the way to the front of the store. “Is there anything else, Miss?”
Elizabeth looked around anxiously, knowing confidence Darcy was nowhere around. “Might I write a note in the book before you wrap it? It is to be a gift.”
The man reached under the counter, bringing forth a pen and ink. Elizabeth handed him the coins to complete the transaction, and then she took up the pen.
William,
To give you pleasure in your late-night library visits.
Yours always, Elizabeth
When the package was wrapped, she slipped it under her cloak. She would present it to Darcy as a wedding gift.
“Lizzy!” Jane called as Elizabeth stepped into the street, followed closely by the footman. “Mr. Darcy is coming this way.”
Elizabeth watched his approach. She appreciated his fine physique— his tight-fitting jacket and stylish greatcoat.
More than one lady’s head turned, but his eyes remained on her.
As he neared, Elizabeth offered a curtsy.
Taking his proffered arm, she smiled into his handsome features.
He took her hand, lacing it through his and pulling her closer to his side as he turned back to the carriage.
“Am I conceited to think you missed me?” he whispered close to her ear.
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “I did, but it was foolish.You were absent for barely an hour.”
“Long enough to feel bereft of your touch on my arm,” he said flirtatiously.
She countered, “Long enough to wish the day to end and a new one to begin. Bringing us closer to our wedding day.”
At the carriage, he brought Elizabeth’s hand to his lips before assisting her into the luxurious seats of his coach. “Soon, my love,” he whispered. “But not soon enough to suit me.”