"I look upon every day to be lost, in which I do not make a new acquaintance."

- Samuel Johnston

Chapter 3

The following day, Darcy decided to stop at his favorite bookshop before returning home from his club. As he entered the shop and was greeted by the proprietor, he slowly walked towards the section displaying the new acquisitions. Hearing some movement across the aisle, he glanced up to behold Bingley's new sister engrossed with a book in her hands.

Her eyes were focused on the page and she was slightly biting her bottom lip as if in anticipation for what lay ahead in the story. Her dark hair was swept up excepting a small curl that had escaped. The young woman had not yet raised her eyes from the pages; however, Darcy felt that he would be remiss to not greet her.

"Miss Bennet, good day." He said as he made his way to her.

She immediately looked up and, for a moment, he did not know if she would respond. However, before that thought could take hold, a brilliant smile graced her face.

"It is indeed a good day, Mr. Darcy. As is any day that I find myself in a new book shop."

He smiled at her response, which was so similar to his own feelings.

"I hope that Bingley and your sister are well, madam?" Darcy said as he looked behind her to see only a footman standing inconspicuously by the wall.

"Yes, they are, thank you. They had several meetings this morning regarding the new furnishings needed at Netherfield. I had mentioned my desire to visit a bookstore and Charles suggested this one."

Darcy's brow furrowed slightly when he asked, "Surely you did not come alone?"

Elizabeth's own visage darkened at this question before she responded.

"No, sir. Charles' sister, Miss Bingley, was so kind as to offer to accompany me; however, when we arrived on Bond Street, it was necessary that she visit a few dress shops first. Our footman, James, escorted me here when I was not inclined to be delayed any longer."

"I see. Although, I must say that I am surprised that you did not join her. I have never known my own sister to bow out of a visit to a dressmakers." He said with a smile.

"Yes, well, I wonder if your sister would be as eager if she were being continually instructed by Miss Bingley on what was best for her 'unique looks'!" Elizabeth said with a slightly raised voice.

Darcy was momentarily taken aback by her words but then had to school his features to not reveal his amusement. Just as quickly as her ire was shown, it deflated again.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy, I do apologize. It was not right to speak so of Charles' sister. I seem to be doomed to embarrass myself in your presence each time we meet." Elizabeth said with a sigh.

Although he knew acknowledging her slight of his friend's relative was improper, Darcy decided to have pity on her and relieve her mortification.

"Fear not, Miss Bennet. Although, we have only recently met, I believe that we agree on a great many things. I, too, prefer a bookshop to a dressmakers." He said with a smile and then leaned in slightly and said in a low voice, "Also, I believe that my sister would share your preference for avoiding certain shopping companions."

"Mr. Darcy! What a shocking thing to say!" Elizabeth replied with a smile and then leaned in and said, "I believe that I shall enjoy meeting your young, yet wise, sister."

Darcy chuckled at this while Elizabeth appeared to relax a bit.

"I believe you shall meet Georgiana tomorrow for tea if her invitation was accepted by your sister today."

"That sounds lovely. I know that Jane is eager to make her acquaintance as well."

"May I escort you back to your shopping party, Miss Bennet? Or, perhaps, you require more time to decide on a purchase?" Darcy said as he glanced at the book she still held in her hands. He was surprised to note that it was one of the Greek classics.

"I was only caught up in reading a newer production of an old favorite of mine. My father's copy is quite worn and I am debating a new copy as a gift to him. However, sir, I believe I will return at a later time…with my own sister."

They both smiled at that and Darcy held out his arm to lead her out of the shop. Once they arrived at the dressmakers and Elizabeth noted that her shopping party was just inside, she thanked him and they bid each other a good day. There was a mutual feeling of camaraderie between the two that is often formed only when one has revealed a little more of their true personality than is normally acceptable in public. It is the same feeling of a friendship being formed.