Early November 1812
Elizabeth was a country girl at heart, but when she spent time in London, her favourite activities were attending the theatre, visiting museums and walking in Hyde Park. Spending time in Hatchards and getting lost among the multitude of books, though, was the best way to while away a London day.
She arrived in London the week of Mary's wedding. The day following her arrival, she accompanied her Aunt Gardiner and Mary to the dressmaker for a fitting of Mary's wedding gown. After seeing Mary try on the dress and learning the fittings would take some time, Elizabeth asked to be excused to spend a little time in Hatchards, which was located nearby. With her aunt's consent and directive to stay until they came for her, Elizabeth gladly made her way there.
Elizabeth entered the shop and slowly walked up and down the aisles, taking in the rows of books, the smells of leather and paper, and running her fingers lightly along the spines. She paid closer attention to the more recently published books; her attention was completely absorbed in the treasures in front of her. So deeply engrossed in her task, she failed to notice a young lady standing to her side, searching the bookshelves as well. Turning quickly, Elizabeth bumped into the young woman, causing the book she had just removed from a shelf to fall, hitting the ground with a thud.
"Oh, I do apologise, Miss. My attention was completely taken with the books and I did not see you. Are you well?" Elizabeth apologised quickly and bent down to pick up the book.
Before the young woman could respond, a concerned voice came from behind Elizabeth, "Georgiana, are you well?"
Elizabeth stood quickly and spun around. "Mr. Darcy!" Their expressions of shock mirrored one another.
"Miss Bennet, what a surprise!" Darcy shut his mouth quickly and swallowed, while pink crept across his cheeks.
Elizabeth smiled, recalling how kind and considerate Mr. Darcy had been to her and her family. It had been a year since she had seen him last.
She greeted him softly, "Good morning, Mr. Darcy. I am quite surprised to see you too. I hope you are well?"
Now calmer, he replied, "Good morning, Miss Bennet. Yes, I am well. I was not aware you were in London."
"I arrived just yesterday. My aunt and sister Mary are meeting me here after they complete their shopping." She looked curiously at the young woman who stood next to Mr. Darcy.
"We arrived a week ago. Allow me to introduce you to my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy," he paused, "Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth smiled warmly and curtsied, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Darcy. I heard you are an excellent pianist."
Georgiana shyly replied, "I enjoy playing the piano, but I am not very good."
Trying to help put Miss Darcy at ease Elizabeth asked, "Who are your favourite composers?"
At first, hesitant to speak, Miss Darcy shared her favourite composers. Elizabeth observed Miss Darcy while they conversed; there was something about her shy demeanour reminiscent of Jane, although the young girl's shyness seemed more debilitating.
As the conversation developed to the specific pieces of music each preferred, Darcy, an attentive listener, observed Elizabeth and was struck again with her beautiful eyes. Seeing her here was astonishing. He had thought of her often over the last year; she had even invaded his dreams from time to time.
Darcy joined in the conversation, and considering the location they were standing in, the topic moved on to books and a popular novel newly published.
Mrs. Gardiner and Mary joined them half an hour later. After their respective introductions, they spent a few minutes in conversation. Before they parted, Miss Darcy invited Elizabeth for tea the day after Mary's wedding.
During the short carriage ride home, Georgiana's excitement grew as she talked to her brother about Miss Bennet and her sister. She was curious about their background and interests, and Darcy did his best to provide detailed responses. He agreed when his sister commented on how pretty and kind Miss Bennet was, and observed she was also intelligent and well-read.