Chapter 12: Books and butterflies

Wickham was in a foul mood. He watched his fellow officers laugh and enjoy a game of cards. Lame idiots! They call this enjoyment. How did I ever end up here?

He thought about his past. He wished the old Mr Darcy was still alive. It was easy to fool the old man, his son ruined my entire life. I could have had the living in Kempton, had he not interfered. My father slogged for Pemberley, what was wrong in swindling some funds?

I could have had that silly girls dowry, had he not turned up in Ramsgate just in time to spoil my plans. Now I am stuck in this stupid country where the girls are so plain and their dowries are even worse.

He thought for some time about his life. He was never satisfied with anything in life. It was his nature to be greedy for more. As an officer in Colonel Fosters regiment, he was comfortable, but he wanted more money to gamble and spend on other lofty pursuits. He was always reminded about how close he was to getting married to Georgiana and enjoying her dowry. He knew that it would have devastated Darcy to see his beloved sister as Mrs Wickham. It was all so well planned, till the last moment where everything collapsed.

He had even contemplated writing to Georgiana and pursuing her again, but he was also scared of Darcys influence in the society and he did not want to anger him again. He knew someday he would get back at him. Wickham wished they would move to Brighton soon. Hertfordshire bored him. As usual, all the girls were charmed by him. But he was not interested in any of them. He heard that the eldest Bennets were claimed local beauties. He was yet to set an eye on them. He slept that night without realizing how exciting the next day was going to be.

At Netherfield, Dr. James had come to check on Jane and was happy to state that she had completely recovered. He also suggested that Jane could go for the picnic if she wanted to. Elizabeth and Georgiana were elated. Miss Bingley, on the other hand, was not.

How horribly wrong can my plan go? I thought none of the Bennets would accompany us, now both the chits are coming. And this Georgiana seems to act closer to Eliza, was she deaf when I spoke to her last night? Oh! Why did I ever leave London and come here?

After breakfast, Darcy, Bingley, Elizabeth and Georgiana started to the Meryton to visit the bookstore. Miss Bingley surprisingly insisted on joining them, claiming her love for books and fluttering her eyes at Darcy.

"Oh! What a lovely way to spend the morning. I love to read, and my love for books increased when I saw your wonderful library at Pemberley Mr Darcy." She said, in a flirting tone.

Darcy was disgusted.

Love for books indeed. Wonder if you ever read anything except the second volume of the books which I choose to read.

When he looked at Elizabeth, he saw a small twitch on her lips, he smiled at her. He knew both of them shared the same thoughts.

Elizabeth suddenly felt unwell. It was the small look that passed between her and Darcy. When Miss Bingley claimed that she loved books, she could not suppress her smile as she had noted many times that Miss Bingley only picked up a book when Mr Darcy was reading one. She even saw Miss Bingley use her book to swat a fly once. She found her declaration hilarious. Just as she was trying to control her mirth, she saw Darcy smile at her. She immediately knew that they had the same thoughts. She did not realise how handsome he looked when he smiled, and for some reason, he kept his gaze on her and she suddenly felt weak.

What is wrong with me? I am acting like Lydia. He just smiled at me. Why am I feeling butterflies in my stomach?

She was thankful when the carriage came and they started to Meryton.

Elizabeth guided the party to the bookstore. The owner was Mr Andrews.

"Oh! Miss Lizzy. Nice to see you. Your father told me that Miss Jane had taken sick and you were staying at Netherfield. How is she faring?"

Elizabeth replied politely to the shop owner and introduced the Darcys and Bingleys to him.

Georgiana and Elizabeth started looking at the new arrivals. Miss Bingley had never been to a bookstore, and she did not want to act lost and picked up two books.

She noticed how both Georgiana and Elizabeth addressed each other by their Christian names.

It shocked her.

This is too much. How did they get so close? With my warning last night, she should have backed off from this manner less chit. Now they are acting like real sisters. I cannot believe it.

Darcy noticed it too. He was elated. His sister never opened up to any new acquaintance and he was overjoyed that she was forming a bond with Elizabeth. Who can help but not like you Elizabeth?

He saw her small figure at the end of the store. He walked closer to her. He observed how her eyes reflected the happiness she felt in looking at the books. She looked serene and beautiful. It pained him to realise that she would leave Netherfield in a few days.

Elizabeth did not see Darcy standing close to her. She was engrossed with the book in her hand. When she noticed him, she was startled? He was looking at her with an expression she could not name.

Where is Georgiana? I feel like swooning again, wonder what has gotten into me?

"I am sorry Miss Elizabeth I did not mean to startle you. Have you found anything interesting to read?"

"Yes, Mr Darcy. It is a book about ships. I have always been fascinated by ships since a young age."

Darcy smiled.

"I remember reading about ships in our Pemberley library. My father loved to have a vast collection."

"I am sure you have a delightful library. Georgiana told me about it."

"It is the work of many generations. I am sure the collection in Pemberley would entice you. What else do you like to read?"

"Oh! I love to read poetry and sometimes read books about crop rotation too. I help my father in estate matters sometimes."

"Did you say estate matters?"

"Why Mr Darcy are you one of those men who think women are to be refined only to embroidery and raising children?" Darcy thought she looked angry, but he noticed a gleam of laughter in her eyes.

I could lose myself forever looking into your beautiful eyes Elizabeth.

"Do you want me to tell you the truth Miss Elizabeth? Of what I think about womanly pursuits?"

"I surely would like to know."

"I think a woman's mind can be creative, thoughtful, and make decisions of her own. My father involved my mother in all the estate matters. I have seen my mother excel in household management as well as give her insights on crop rotation. I would not deem a woman only to the kitchen or raising children. In fact, I greatly admire an adventurous woman, especially one who likes to walk three miles to see her beloved sister."

Elizabeth was speechless.

Darcy knew he had said too much. Good God, what if she thinks I am toying with her.

When he looked at her, he saw a deep blush on her face. I may have hope. He thought.

Their magical moment was broken by Georgiana. She brought a stack of books to show Elizabeth.

Elizabeth could not believe what she had heard from Darcy. He admires me. Charlotte was right. It cannot be true, how can he say he admires me, when he called me not tolerable enough to tempt him? But he did apologize for his words. Maybe he was sincere.

Elizabeth hardly paid attention to what Georgiana said. They paid for their purchases and the men left to the post office. Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Miss Bingley stayed back at the book store.

Miss Bingley tried to capture Georgiana's attention.

"Miss Darcy I am sure this book store is nothing when compared to the ones you visit in London. Your brother must have taken you to the best ones. It is the pity Miss Elizabeth could give us only one choice here."

Georgiana could not bear Miss Bingley insulting Elizabeth time and again.

"Miss Bingley, I find this book store well-stocked and there are so many new books to my liking. I have not visited many book stores in London. We always got to Hatchards. That is all. We must thank Elizabeth for bringing us here."

Miss Bingley sneered. Now you have got the nerve to defend this servant friend of yours?

Miss Bingley tried to change the subject.

"Miss Darcy I am so excited for the picnic to the lake this week. I am sure we can go tomorrow if the good weather holds. We can have our luncheon there. I plan things so meticulously for my guests. You are my dear friend. I have ordered the cook to make your favorite fruit pie to take on the picnic. I hope the men can join us, without giving a reason to be at the Lucas Lodge."

"I am not sure Miss Bingley. William has found a good company at the Lucas Lodge. I am sure we ladies can entertain us very well. Especially since Miss Bennet may join us as well."

"Oh Yes! We can. I am sure I can keep you entertained, even if the lake is smelly." Elizabeth could not suppress her mirth. According to you, the entire Hertfordshire is as dirty as a smelly sock.

The men returned, and all of them left the book store in happy spirits. Had they looked behind at one of the windows, they would have spotted the evilest smile on the face of a man the Darcys detested. They never realised Wickham had been there the whole time, listening to every word they had said. Now he started scheming a plan which was going to jeopardise their happiness in every way.

I am indeed lucky to be here. Wickham thought.

Darcy, you look happy. I will never let you be. Never.