Their trip into Meryton consisted of stopping at several shops for the younger Bennet sisters to peruse the newly arrived ribbons on their way to Elizabeth's aunt Philips' house to return a pattern book that Mrs. Bennet has recently borrowed. While waiting for Kitty, Lydia, and Mariah to finalize their purchases, Mr. Darcy noticed the bookstore across the street. In his best attempt to sound like Miss Elizabeth, he spoke up. "Jane, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, would you think me terribly rude if I stepped into the bookstore across the street?"

Jane responded a bit surprised but with no small amusement, "Lizzy, you were just there two days ago. You know Mr. Townsend won't have any new books for a few weeks."

Bingley quickly jumped in, "Darcy, weren't you looking for a book in my library the other day? You can accompany Miss Elizabeth and ask about it. What book was that again? Something or other of poetry, I think."

Elizabeth was caught unaware and having no reply for Bingley's question made a valiant attempt. "Yes, of course! It was Wordsworth or Keats, I believe." Turning to Elizabeth, she offered her arm, "Shall we?"

Mr. Darcy seemed both surprised and embarrassed by the gesture which would have been an appropriate response to the situation as is but seeing his reaction made her realize that while the real Mr. Darcy would likely have accompanied her to the bookstore, he would not likely have offered his arm. However, it mattered not as both Charles and Jane were already engrossed in their own conversation.

Crossing the street, Elizabeth and Darcy entered the bookstore. It was not as large as he was used to but they were immediately greeted by Mr. Townsend who was always happy to see Elizabeth and was hopeful of making a large sale when seeing Mr. Darcy - and his daughter, Lucy-Anne. Lucy-Anne was a two years older than Elizabeth but blushed like a school-girl when Darcy entered the store. Elizabeth mentally rolled her eyes.

Elizabeth quietly whispered to Mr. Darcy, "Ask him how Mrs. Townsend is faring and if her headaches have abated since she has been in Bath. The other day when I was here he told me she was to be away for another two weeks."

"Right, thank you." He whispered in return, then turning from the shelf he had been searching, he repeated Elizabeth's question exactly, hoping to sound natural. It must have worked for Mr. Townsend looked fondly at her and answered, "Oh Miss Elizabeth, you are too kind! She is much improved. So much so, that I fear she may want to stay!" While he said this with a smile, Elizabeth and Darcy could tell the older gentlemen clearly thought there may be something to it. "I may have to bring in my nephew to help me run the store. But, I am getting older… It might be nice to take a step back from the day to day." As if remembering that he had customers, Mr. Townsend looked up and smiled. "Forgive an old man for rambling. How can I help you today?"

This time Elizabeth spoke up. "I am looking to help Mr. Bingley stock his library. Miss Elizabeth was telling me that last week you received a shipment of some of the latest works of Keats, Byron, and Wordsworth. I should like to take a look. I am also looking for a book on crop rotation that Mr. Bennet mentioned to me only this morning."

With that, Mr. Townsend's smile grew and he made his way around the counter to assist Mr. Darcy in finding the new arrivals. Once he left them alone. Darcy turned to Elizabeth to see her smiling widely. She knew full well that while this sale would be a large one for , the cost would mean nothing to him and so he acquiesced to the purchase. "You do realize that I already own a few of these books, including the one you mentioned on crop rotation. It was particularly inciteful but not so much that I would normally purchase a second copy," he said to her - amusement obvious in his voice.

In her typically arch manner - and not at all resembling Darcy - she replied, "Well as I said, these are to be a gift for Mr. Bingley. Except the one on crop rotation; that one I will keep and read myself before leaving it for him to read when he has the time."

Clearly surprised, Mr. Darcy whispered, "You enjoy reading about crop rotation?" At that moment, Mr. Townsend walked up with a suggested book for Elizabeth and hearing her remark interjected, "My dear, no one enjoys reading about crop rotation but men like Mr. Darcy have a responsibility to keep abreast of the latest techniques that could improve their yield. Is that not so?"

Elizabeth coughed to cover her very unmanly impulse to giggle, "Quite right. I find that by improving the means of production often leads not only to improved output, but also improved morale for my tenants. For, in the end, I would be master of nothing if my tenants were not willing to work."

Darcy was impressed by how similar their opinions were to his own and the fact that she took an interest at all. However, it was dangerous for her to profess her opinions when speaking as him. Seeming to read his thoughts, and seeking a safer topic Elizabeth changed the subject back to books that might be purchased as a gift for Netherfield's library. Elizabeth mentally chastised herself and resolved to be more careful when speaking for everyone else would attribute her words to Mr. Darcy and that could have undesirable consequences.

Leaving the bookstore with one new book in hand and several to be delivered, Elizabeth and Darcy stepped out into the street. Darcy took this opportunity before they reached Jane and Bingley to say, "We are fortunate, Miss Elizabeth, you and I seem to be of such similar attitudes when it comes to my role as master of an estate." Smiling to reassure her when he noticed color rising upon his cheeks (seeing himself blush was quite uncomfortable but so was knowing that she had taken his words as an admonishment), he smiled again in reassurance and added, "I wonder, how have you come by such progressive notions? It is uncommon for ladies to be involved in the management of an estate; does your father encourage you in this interest?

"My father has always encouraged all my interests. I have free use of his library, which holds quite an eclectic collection."

"Might I ask as to your education? I mean, I may be expected to know certain things but not others." In truth, Elizabeth Bennet was becoming more fascinating by the minute. He had never known a woman to take an interest in agriculture, but he was sure that was not the most unusual thing about her.

"I have studied Philosophy, History, Politics, Maths, and - of course languages."

At this, Mr. Darcy smiled widely (which Elizabeth thought must be how she appeared most often and was pleased that his smiling did not appear to change the effect on her face. She had always thought her smile was the one physical feature that she could take pride in and regularly displayed to her advantage). "Ah, parlez vous francais, mademoiselle?"

Returning the smile she replied, "Oui Monsieur! Je parle francais, hablo español, and I can read Greek. Although," she admitted sheepishly, "I only took on the latter because then I could read some of the more risque stories from mythology without my mother chastising me."

"Well then, you must take Hector for a ride sometime. While he is strong and intimidating in appearance, he is an excellent mount both hunting and riding."

"I'm afraid I am no horsewoman, Mr. Darcy."

"That may be problematic as I am most definitely a horseman. Hmm, I will think on this tonight and we can discuss it when we meet tomorrow."

"Yes, I have already avoided a ride with Mr. Bingley this morning by claiming I felt unwell after I fainted this morning."

"You fainted? I have never fainted in my life!" Sighing loudly, "Bingley will think I have become missish." After recollecting himself, he hastily sought to insure that Elizabeth had, indeed, fully recovered from her ordeal. She assured him she was well and they both chuckled a little.

Elizabeth - with her signature, arch smile that Darcy was sure no one had ever seen on his face before - teased, "Really? You have never fainted? I would not have guessed that." Then she turned and walked in the direction of the others leaving Darcy to determine if she thought him a dandy.