Page 50 of To Go Against Her Heart
“Forgive me, I do not mean to intrude, but are you alone here?” Darcy asked, his voice expressing concern as he looked around the bookstore.
“At present, I have your company and Mr. Johnson’s,” she said with a smile, and Darcy stood dazzled.
“My uncle accompanied me here this morning, and he is visiting one of his friends down the street. He should return any moment now,” she said, and he nodded, still not looking convinced.
Darcy wanted to say so much to her, and not knowing where to start, he asked her whether she was enjoying her time in town.
“We are and intend to leave next week.”
“Good Lord! How could you leave so soon…I mean…” He stammered, and Elizabeth smiled at him.
“Miss Elizabeth, pardon me, had I known you were here all these weeks, I would have definitely called on you along with my sister. She has been very anxious to make your acquaintance, and I hope you will allow her the opportunity to do so.”
“I shall be happy to meet her,” she replied with a smile.
Upon hearing her words, Darcy could not contain his happiness, as he knew very well about her bluntness in avoiding anything she despised. In his heart, he was certain that she was happy to see him. As for Elizabeth, she longed to apologize to Darcy for what she had said before he left Hertfordshire, but the words refused to leave her lips.
Though at a distance, the shopkeeper observed their interaction without disturbing them. He was well acquainted with Darcy, just as with Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth.
There were a few minutes of silence between them, and Darcy finally looked at the pile of books on the table and asked Elizabeth if she visited the store often. She quickly explained that she had frequented the bookstore since her childhood whenever she came to stay in town.
“It is my most sought-after store in town as well, and my sister accompanies me often,” he replied.
“Does she enjoy reading as much as you do?”
“She does, apart from her music, books keep her occupied for most of the day.”
Elizabeth nodded and expected him to take leave, but he seemed rooted to his spot. Sensing her discomfort, Darcy addressed her.
“Would you mind if I stay here until your uncle arrives?” he asked and cursed himself.
I have always angered her by showing my concern for her well-being.
Though surprised, Elizabeth nodded. Reluctantly, he moved to the adjacent aisle, and Elizabeth returned to her seat, and her heart still raced for she perceived that his gaze was still directed at her.
As expected, her uncle arrived soon to accompany her home.
“Have you made your selection yet? Please do not accuse me of not giving you enough time,” Mr. Gardiner said with a laugh. He was oblivious to Darcy’s presence in the store.
Elizabeth smiled and glanced in Darcy’s direction, prompting her uncle to follow her gaze.
Seeing them, Darcy stepped forward, and Elizabeth immediately made the introductions. Mr. Gardiner was surprised to see him and even more surprised to understand that he had stayed behind to get acquainted.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner said, surprised by the unexpected introduction.
“The pleasure is mine; I have been acquainted with your niece in Hertfordshire.”
Mr. Gardiner nodded. Elizabeth could sense Darcy’s reluctance, as always, amidst new acquaintances, but she also noticed him make an effort to converse with her uncle. She sawthat he was genuinely interested in knowing about her uncle’s business and connections in town. She watched them in silence as they conversed for a few minutes.
“We must be leaving, Mr. Darcy. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you,” Mr. Gardiner said, and they paid for their purchases.
Much to her uncle’s curiosity, Darcy walked them to their carriage and handed Elizabeth in. She did not know why, but she could no longer avoid him as she once had, nor did she feel he deserved her resentment for the struggles she battled within herself.
Elizabeth could not believe that even after she treated him so harshly, he still had regard for her. She saw the ache of parting in his eyes, and at that moment, she could no longer deny that her own heart felt the same. Seeing him after all these weeks, so unexpectedly, had caught her off guard, and she could not disguise her true feelings in his presence. When the carriage started, Mr. Gardiner saw that she seemed unsettled.
“It is a surprise indeed to make his acquaintance today. Am I to understand that his friend is unaware of Jane’s presence here?”
“As I doubted, yes! Please do not say anything to Jane yet. I do not want to raise her hopes again in this matter.I presume that, as Mr. Darcy is now informed, Mr. Bingley will not long remain ignorant of the same.”
