Page 17 of To Go Against Her Heart
“Do you want her to openly tell him that she has developed a deep regard for him within a few weeks?”
“Well! Even though Mr. Bingley has not declared so explicitly, his actions speak for him, do they not? But Jane tries to suppress her natural feelings towards him while in his company. I am just saying that it will do no good in making the relationship progress.”
“I disagree with you. I am certain she is giving him sufficient encouragement.”
“Well, I hope Mr. Bingley understands her regard and acts upon it,” Charlotte said.
Mary and Maria declared their intention of visiting the shops, and Charlotte graciously offered to accompany them, understanding that Elizabeth preferred to visit the bookstore.
Thanking her friend, Elizabeth swiftly walked towards her favorite shop in Meryton; though small, it was well stocked, andever since she was young, the shopkeeper allowed her to browse as many books as she wanted to, even if she did not make a purchase. But today, she intended to buy quite a few books and walked in eagerly. The store was deserted, and she knew it was often the case in the afternoons. She quickly busied herself with the collection stacked on the new arrivals shelf. Within minutes, the shopkeeper joined her.
“It is good to see you, Miss Lizzy. I hope your sister is well, as I heard she had taken sick.”
“Good morning, Mr. Ronald. Yes, she is well.”
“Please pass my regards to her, and I shall be inside. Do ring the bell if you need me. I am certain it will not be a busy day,” he said, leaving inside.
Elizabeth sat in her favorite corner and began browsing through the books she had selected. Suddenly, she heard the door open, and much to her shock, in walked Darcy. It had been over a week since she had seen him, and his sudden appearance caught her by surprise.
She immediately stood, and the books on her lap fell to the floor. Within moments, Darcy was beside her, helping her gather them.
“Allow me,” he said as he gathered the books and placed them on the table. Elizabeth felt completely unsettled in his company and stared at him without saying a word.
“Forgive me; I did not mean to startle you,” he said, to which she pursed her lips.
But you did!
Sensing the discomfort on her face, Darcy retreated a few steps and moved away from her.
Why does she not say anything?
“I hope your sister has recovered,” he asked, hoping that she would reply.
“Yes…Yes, she has. Thank you!” she replied, not understanding why she felt so vulnerable in his presence.
“I was just running a few errands in the village and thought I might pay a visit to the bookstore,” he said, observing the books she had gathered.
“Mr. Ronald has stepped inside. If you would like, I can ring the bell,” she said, wanting to relieve herself from his presence.
“It would merely waste his time, for I have the habit of spending a good while before I make my selection.”
Understanding that Darcy would not leave soon, Elizabeth wondered whether to stay or return to Charlotte. She was torn between looking at the books she intended to buy and leaving the store to avoid him.
“I see you have quite the selection at your disposal. Would you mind if I have a look at them?” Darcy asked, impressed with the collection beside her, and Elizabeth nodded.
“These are all novels; I had presumed you were fonder of poetry.”
“I peruse all kinds of literature, sir, yet I have long been partial to poetry since youth.”
“Since you are so devoted a reader, I suppose your early fondness must have eventually given way, and some other genre has surely claimed your interest. I, for one, have always loved poetry, though of late I have grown quite devoted to reading about history.”
“I cannot agree with you, Mr. Darcy. One grows fond of certain things over the years or within moments. No matter how many welcome distractions or finer prospects may cloud our lives, what you once held dear to your heart will always remain so. Irrespective of how many novels I read, my heart will still remain occupied by the numerous sonnets I have enjoyed over the years, and I assure you my regard for them will never change,” she said, staring into his eyes.
Darcy was silent; it was evident to him that her words had a hidden meaning, and he was not a simpleton to fail to understand it.
“If you would excuse me,” she said and walked past him and rang the bell.
The shopkeeper appeared, and she quickly paid for her purchase and left the store after bidding them goodbye. Darcy slowly made his way to the far end of the store and seated himself in the very chair she had just left. Somehow, her words had pierced his heart, and he could not help but dwell upon what she had said.
