Dear all. This is my first attempt to write a Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction! I am not native in English but I tried my best! This story is just a sweet one-shot, might or might not be continued (:
Bonnet
„You are too good Jane." Elisabeth Bennet laughed earning a surprised glance from the shop owner and his assistant.
The Bennet sisters were in London for a week staying at their Uncle's house. The visit to London had been a specific request of their betrothals. The gentlemen themselves had to finish same business in London and found it best to request their intendeds to accompany them. This way the ladies would have some time to shop before their marriage if they found it necessary, but most importantly they would not need to stop their daily walks, they got so used to during the engagement. Neither of the gentlemen nor the ladies wanted to be separated, not even for a week so Elisabeth and Jane happily agreed to ask their aunt and uncle if they would feel comfortable to receive them for a week.
As it was, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were more than happy to see their nieces and so it happened that the sisters found themselves in this particular shop one afternoon.
"Don't be mean Lizzy. I do believe we should get something for our sisters while we are in London. They were most unhappy they were not allowed to come." Jane said touching one ribbon and another as she looked around.
"I am sure Kitty was rather sad but Mary I would say was indifferent. Very well, dear Jane, let us find something for our sisters." Elisabeth agreed glancing around the shop.
There were ribbons from every size and color, bonnets and other accessories. Lizzy had never seen so many different types and colors before in one single shop. There was only one common thing about them. Everything in the shop had the highest quality.
"Oh, I do not know Lizzy, everything is so beautiful here." Jane said eyeing one bonnet with yellow ribbons, roses and flowers.
"And quiet expensive." Elisabeth murmured. They had never been in such an elegant shop before. Being a family with five daughters and with no big fortune, they were used to buy their accessories at local, small shops.
"Indeed. That is why I suggested we bought some ribbons for Mary and Kitty only." Jane smiled.
"And nothing for ourselves. You are very kind dear Jane. However I wholeheartedly agree. Only two ribbons will cost more than we might imagine." She smiled and turned to look around again.
Meanwhile Mr. Krock, the owner eyed the two young ladies cautiously. They were fine creatures; one beautiful the other quiet pretty herself, their gown elegant and clean but his keen eyes noted immediately they were at best from medium quality. The more time the ladies spent with looking around, the more Mr. Krock felt they were not in the situation to buy such high quality goods and spend such high amount of money what his shop was dedicated to offer and request from buyers.
"May I be of any assistant Mademoiselle?" He asked for the second time since the ladies entered his shop.
"No, not at the moment, thank you sir." The brown haired woman smiled at him turning back to look at the most exquisite bonnets. Mr. Krock frowned but let the ladies wander around the shop.
After several minutes, Jane and Lizzy chose two silk ribbons, one white and one light green. Both were more expensive than any of them ever dreamed of spending on ribbons. Even though they chose the cheapest ones they could find in the shop.
As Jane stepped to the assistant to pay for the ribbons, Lizzy looked around one more time.
"Mr. Krock, I don't want to seem mean but I don't think the lady can afford that bonnet she is currently holding." Miss Hung, the owner's niece and assistant, whispered, making sure the other young lady waiting for the ribbons to be wrapped did not hear them.
"I quite agree dear." Mr. Krock murmured.
"Oh Lizzy, that bonnet is beautiful! It would be perfect for you!" Jane said stepping up next to her sister leaving the assistant to wrap their goods. They were both looking at a simple but elegant bonnet. It had the most beautiful shade of light blue, the ribbon a white silk. It was decorated with tiny, blue flowers.
"That is a very excellent bonnet, Mademoiselle. Very unique too. The silk itself is of the highest quality, the flowers transported from the East! Very delicate and very…" Mr. Krock trailed of. "It is reserved for the finest of ladies." He said clearing his troth.
"Finest of ladies? Prey how much does it cost? I can't find the price anywhere." Lizzy asked. She knew very well she could never afford a bonnet of this quality. Not yet at least, not Elisabeth Bennet. Who knows, as Mrs. Darcy she might have the means to get such a fine bonnet, but she knew herself. She would never pay too much for a bonnet, not even if she had the possibility.
Mr. Krock leaned forward and murmured the price into her ears. Lizzy's eyes widened before she took a step backwards. Unbelievable.
"Yes, mademoiselle, you see, not everyone can afford it."
"How kind of you to mention it." Elisabeth answered cynically but the man did not catch the meaning.
"Yes. I am so happy you understand." Mr. Krock said with a smile. "You know this shop belonged to my family since decades, aiming to sell goods to the most elegant of families."
"Really?" Lizzy asked frowning.
"Yes, yes! We dedicated this shop to be frequented by the most accomplished ladies."
"Are you only selling goods to the noble families or can anyone who has enough money buy from you? I am only asking sir, as I believe the Bennet is not on your list of required buyers. I do not wish to waste your time." Elisabeth asked with narrowed eyes.
Mr. Krock went pale immediately, sweat popped out in beads on his forehead. "I didn't mean to offend mademoiselle! We are selling to… everyone… well, not everyone, but those who can afford… I mean, not you of course…. I mean of course, yourself! it is just… we are mostly visited by those families… you see…"
"I see it perfectly clear sir!" Elisabeth snapped, her pride hurt by the implication.
"Do forgive me, mademoiselle! Please, I didn't mean to… I am happy to sell you any of the goods, all of them if you wish! Your name doesn't matter, it is just… I thought…"
Elisabeth stared at the man for a moment trying to come over her anger and be not blinded by it. She had learned her lesson before. Last time she had been blinded with her anger she had almost lost her chance of happiness. Mr. Krock seemed to be genuinely sorry. He was probably not a kind man but he was not that bad either. He had offended her with assuming her to be poor but after all he was a man who lived on the money he earned. It was natural he aimed for the families with fortune who could buy any amount of expensive bonnets. He was not a bad man indeed but prideful for sure. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Pride was after all not a fault that could not have been corrected.
The opening of the door and the joyful greeting of a familiar, deep voice made all occupants turn around, only to see Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy enter the shop.
Mr. Krock gaped very ungentlemanly. Mr. Darcy? What on Earth was he doing in his shop?
"Dearest Miss Bennet! Miss Elisabeth! Such a joy to meet you here!" Mr. Bingley said respectfully bowing to Elisabeth and placing a soft kiss on Jane's hand. "We have been riding across the street in hope of visiting you at your Uncle's house when we saw you in the shop! Do tell me, did you find something special for you?" He said aiming the question to Jane.
"Mr. Bingley." Elisabeth smiled in greeting before turning to her intended. "Mr. Darcy! I am rather shocked to find you in such a shop as this!" She beamed at the man who, after bowing to Jane stepped to her side.
"Shocking?" He smiled lifting her hand for a sweet kiss.
"Yes, indeed. As you can see this shop offers all kind of goods rather for females." She arched an eyebrow teasingly, Mr. Krock all but forgotten.
"I can assure you, Elisabeth, I have been in such shops as this before. Though not frequently. You see I have a young sister who requires such fine goods."
"Fine goods." Elisabeth mused throwing a glance at the poor Mr. Krock. She could not decide if he was shocked, scared or confused. "This shop is really dedicated for the best of qualities did you know?" She asked with a smile.
Darcy frowned at his fiancée. He could recognize her playfulness, her voice and manners were changing when she was teasing, but he could not quite find out who or what she was teasing now.
"Yes." He answered glancing at the shop keeper who stared at them, his face pale, his eyes widening with every second. "Have you been about buying something, Elisabeth?" he asked frowning.
"We are already done with shopping Mr. Darcy. We bought some fine ribbons for our sisters. They should be wrapped already so we can leave immediately." Elisabeth said smiling lovingly at the man. She threw a glance at Mr. Krock.
"Nothing for you?" Darcy asked lifting an eyebrow.
"No, I am in no need of a new bonnet anyway." Elisabeth said. "I should better check if the package is ready as Jane is quiet occupied I see. Excuse me." She smiled and went to the assistant.
Darcy stood where he was left, frowning. He was missing something he was certain. He turned to look at the gaping shop keeper. He almost smirked. The man was shocked, now he was sure of it. If for the fact that he visited his shop or of the rather obvious affection he showed towards Elisabeth he wasn't sure.
"Mr. Krock." He started.
"Mr. Darcy! Such a honor to see you here sir!" He said hurriedly.
Darcy only nodded in response. "Mr. Krock, if I may ask, has there been any specific item Miss Elisabeth Bennet showed any special interest for? A ribbon? A bonnet?" He asked turning around, his eyes catching a fine light blue bonnet. He couldn't help but imagine how beautiful she would look wearing it.
"Ah, yes sir. That bonnet you are looking at." He trailed off utterly confused.
Mr. Darcy lifted the bonnet then smiled. "If you would please let it wrapped. Send the check to Darcy house I believe you know the address as my sister frequently shops here."
"Yes, Mr. Darcy of course! This bonnet would be perfect for your young sister! Very beautiful!" He said smiling brightly.
"That might be so but the bonnet is not for her this time. Please, send the package directly to Mr. Gardiner's." He said handing over a small paper with the address of the Gardiners. "And if you could make sure Miss Elisabeth Bennet does not see you wrapping it? I would like it to be a surprise."
Mr. Krock's eyes widened. "Ah, yes, certainly, my pleasure Mr. Darcy…" He hurried away with the bonnet in hand.
"Have you scared away the poor man?" Elisabeth's soft voice made Darcy smile for real as he turned towards his betrothal.
"I am not sure. He seemed for some odd reason, scared of you if you ask me." He said trailing off and lifting his eyebrow in a clear question.
Elisabeth laughed lightly as she slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow. "Do not mind Fitzwilliam." She said easily.
Darcy frowned. "Did he in any way offend you Elisabeth?" All playfulness vanished from his voice and face at once.
Elisabeth thought about it for a moment before she answered honestly. "No. I find him a prideful man, but as we learned, pride can be overcome."
The scowl marking his face vanished as he saw only humor and tease in her eyes. "Very well then. May I escort your back to your Aunt's?" He asked.
"I would be delighted." Elisabeth smiled as the couple followed by Jane and Mr. Bingley left a rather shocked and quiet pale Mr. Krock behind.