Charlotte leaned forward for a closer inspection. “Oh, that is very pretty!”
When Elizabeth and Charlotte finished admiring the lace, they noticed Sir William walking in their direction with her sisters and the Netherfield party.
Elizabeth quickly filled Charlotte in on how they came to make the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley and his guests. The group stood before them a moment later, and Sir William introduced Charlotte.
“Lizzy, Sir William has suggested we retire to the tea shop. We are agreeable if you and Charlotte have no objection,” Jane said.
Smiling, Elizabeth shook her head, and looked at Charlotte.
“That sounds lovely,” Charlotte said.
Sir William expressed his satisfaction. “Capital! Capital!” He then went to make his purchases.
While Charlotte spoke with Miss Darcy, Elizabeth glanced in the direction of the two gentlemen who were speaking together quietly. Knowing that she and Mr. Darcy were reading the same set of books made Elizabeth quite curious about him. She hoped there would be an opportunity to discuss Dean’s first volume with him. She was eager to hear his thoughts on it.
After Sir William completed his business, they all filed out of the haberdasher’s and walked to the tea shop.
As he and Bingley followed behind everyone, Darcy scanned the shops they passed and noticed there was a bakery. He knew Georgiana would wish to stop in there, so he planned to mention it to her before they returned to Netherfield.
“I say, Darcy,” Bingley said, chuckling, “with each shop we visit, we seem to accumulate more and more young ladies.” He continued to laugh silently, his shoulders shaking.
Darcy chuckled and shook his head.
“Are all the Hertfordshire ladies to be found in the shops, I wonder?” Bingley aimed a wide grin at Darcy. “Perhaps we should visit the lot of them.”
“You have a sizable enough group right here,” Darcy countered.
Bingley continued to laugh as he followed Darcy inside the tea shop.
Half an hour later, Darcy watched as Miss Elizabeth sipped her tea and looked around at the members of their party.
She turned to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, we have certainly enjoyed spending time with you this afternoon,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” Georgiana replied shyly. “I have enjoyed it as well. I hope we may all meet again soon.”
“I do not mean to pry, but do I understand correctly that you have a companion who has traveled with you?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, I do. Her name is Mrs. Annesley.”
“Ah, well, would it be convenient for you if we called on Friday?”
“Oh, yes! I look forward to it,” Georgiana said, her eyes bright with anticipation.
“As do I,” Miss Elizabeth assured her with a smile.
Darcy spoke as little as he could get away with. He was a reserved person by nature, though he was sociable with his inner circle of family and friends. He was especially quiet around new acquaintances, even those as friendly as this group. It helped keep his wealth and connections from becoming publicknowledge for as long as possible. The less people knew about him, the less problems he had.
His gaze landed on Miss Elizabeth. Again. He watched her for a few moments, then looked away. His glances always brief, lest someone notice his interest. When the conversation around him shifted and Miss Elizabeth began to speak, everyone focused on her. It gave him an excellent opportunity to watch her without raising the suspicion of others, and watch her he did! Intently. Her eyes were so expressive. Long lashes surrounded a green that was accented with flecks of yellow and gold, too. An amazing green. The shade sometimes seeming to change. One moment, a light hue; the next moment, deep and vivid. He noticed her chestnut curls had a shine to them. Darcy could tell those curls would feel silky on his fingers. His eyes were drawn to the graceful curve of her neck. She wore a delicate chain of gold with a pearl pendant. It lay charmingly around her neck and over the lines of her collarbone.
Miss Elizabeth’s cheerful, friendly manner was refreshing. Darcy appreciated how she drew his shy sister out and helped Georgiana feel comfortable enough to interact with her and her sisters. He wanted to know more about her, but he could not act on it. Darcy could not draw attention to the fact that he was interested in her. Especially since nothing would come of it. He was expected to make a very different kind of match.
Chapter 3
Elizabeth had watched Mr. Darcy closely. She could not quite figure him out. Was he shy, or was he simply uninterested in the company around him? His friend made an effort to be agreeable to everyone. Even his sister, who was clearly uncomfortable in company, responded to sincere overtures of friendship. However, Mr. Darcy could barely be prevailed upon to reply to the persons speaking with him. Why did such a handsome and presumably intelligent man have to be so . . . difficult? Visitors to the area were few and far between. Visitors who were educated and interesting were even rarer. Was it too much to ask that he be pleasant and accommodating? Apparently, it was!
Soon, everyone rose to take their leave, wishing one another a pleasant evening. As they all parted ways, Elizabeth overheard Mr. Darcy speaking to his sister.
"Georgiana, I noticed we passed a bakery a few doors down. I was surprised to see one in a village such as this. Would you like to stop in on our way back to Netherfield?"
