Notes: I added some lines in chapter 13.
PPP
Throughout the entire afternoon, the rain poured relentlessly. Jane was not feeling well, decided to stay over at her Aunt Phillips' house. The night passed by with little incident, but the next morning, Jane woke up with a fever. Concerned for Jane's health, Mrs. Phillips called for Mr. Jones to come check on her. She also sent a note to Longbourn to inform them that Jane was going to stay at her house until she fully recovered.
Upon receiving the news of Jane's illness, Elizabeth, Mary, and Kitty decided to go to Meryton to find out more information about their sister's health. When they arrived at Mrs. Phillips' doorstep, she did not invite them in, explaining that Jane was resting. However, she assured them that Jane was out of danger.
Mary accompanied Kitty to the dressmaker's and Elizabeth went to the bookshop to check if the book she had ordered from London had arrived.
As she entered the bookshop, Mr. Johnson, the owner, greeted her with a warm smile. Mr. Johnson held Elizabeth in high esteem not only as one of his best clients, but also as a kind and thoughtful young lady.
After exchanging pleasantries, Elizabeth inquired, "Has the book I ordered from you last week arrived?"
"Indeed, I set aside a copy specifically for you in my office to ensure that no one else would purchase it. If you could wait for a moment, I shall get it for you."
"Thank you, Sir."
Upon hearing Miss Bennet's voice, Darcy, who had been browsing through some agricultural books in a corner, approached her and greeted her politely. Elizabeth, who had not noticed him earlier, and was surprised by his sudden presence but quickly regained her composure and greeted him.
Just then, Mr. Johnson returned with the book in his hand and said, "Here you have it, Miss Bennet."
Darcy glanced at the cover of the book and was slightly surprised by its title.
Noticing his interest in the book, Elizabeth asked him curiously, "Have you read this book, Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy nodded and showed her the book in his hand, "It's the one I intend to purchase as a gift for Bingley."
Elizabeth was astonished at the peculiar coincidence. Even more curious, she asked him, "What do you think of the book?"
"It is one of the most comprehensive and informative books on agriculture and modern farming techniques that I have ever read. In my opinion, every landowner, as well as tenants, should read such books to enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their land."
"My father shares the same view and already owns an older version of this book." She smiled and asked, "Have you tried implementing any of the suggested techniques recommended in the book at Pemberley?"
He nodded, "I have successfully implemented some of the techniques suggested in the previous version. However, this new version was published this year, contained some new and innovative techniques. I am currently still analysing these new techniques and assessing whether they are suitable to implement in the next harvest."
Curious, she asked, "Have you had problems convincing the tenants to implement new techniques?"
He thought for a moment to think and then replied, "Some tenants were eager to adopt the new techniques while others were hesitant. It was not easy to convince some of them. However, over a period of three to four years, all of them realized that using the new techniques made the land more productive."
They continued their conversation about innovative farming techniques, paid for their respective books, and left together the bookshop. He escorted Elizabeth to the modiste, where Kitty and Mary were still there.
Before taking his leave, Darcy said, "It was a pleasure seeing and conversing with you, Miss Bennet." He smiled slightly and added, "Bingley and I plan to visit your father this afternoon or tomorrow morning to discuss the necessary repairs needed on the fence between Netherfield and Longbourn."
Elizabeth nodded understandingly. Her father had informed her of the damaged fence and the disagreement between two tenants due to some newborn sheep. She replied, "Yes, my father is aware of the problem, and he was planning to go to Netherfield today to speak with Mr. Bingley or his steward about it. I will inform him that you and Mr. Bingley plan to visit him at Longbourn." She smiled and curtseyed. "Have a nice day, Mr. Darcy."