Chapter 17: Sparks

Elizabeth loved the village of Lambton. The people were friendly and kind. She was reminded of Mertyon whenever she visited the village. Although Lady Martha insisted on taking a carriage, she walked to the village, once in a while. This morning, she walked to the Lambton, relishing the fresh air. She stopped at the post office first. In a few months, she had made acquaintance with many people in the village, and she had become a known face. She sent the letter to Charlotte and walked to the bookstore. She loved the small but well-stocked store.

"Miss Smith, good morning." Mr Francis said. He was the owner of the bookstore.

"Good morning, sir."

"It is good to see you. I am certain that it has been many weeks since you stopped by. I assume the well-stocked library at Ashton Park provides you with all the literary adventures you need."

Elizabeth laughed.

" It is a well-stocked library, indeed. But your shop has many books to entice me whenever I visit."

" Is there anything, in particular, you would like to look into today?" He asked.

" I would like to buy some poetry. Do you have a new collection?"

" Of course. Please follow me." He said.

He showed her some new collection that had arrived that week. She lost herself as she browsed through the books.

After a few minutes, he called out to her.

" I will have to go inside for a few minutes. I am taking care of my son today as my wife is away. I shall be back soon. If you have selected what you need, please ring the bell. The little boy is a handful." He said and disappeared through the backdoor in a hurry.

Elizabeth took some time to make her selection. She liked a particular book and placed it on the counter.

She waited a few minutes and did not want to ring the bell. She was not in a hurry and did not want to disturb Mr Francis, who was looking after his child. She left the book on the counter and occupied herself with other books in the store.

Suddenly she heard the door open behind her and came face to face with none other than Darcy.

There was an evident shock on both their faces. They immediately recognized each other from their meeting the previous day.

So, I meet her again. Darcy thought.

He tipped his hat, and to his annoyance, Elizabeth ignored him and looked away.

Darcy was angry. He looked around for Mr Francis. He found no one else in the store. Elizabeth ignored him and kept herself occupied with the book.

Who is she? How can she be so arrogant? He wondered. He tried his best not to look in her direction.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, was unsettled. The presence of Darcy made her recollect the horrific incident on the cliff. She wanted to leave the store, but somehow, she stood rooted to the spot.

She felt agitated by his presence and finally decided to leave. She crossed him and reached the counter.

She looked for the book she had placed. To her dismay, it was missing.

She looked at Darcy, who stood a few feet away.

The book she had selected was in his hands.

Darcy sensed that she was staring at him and looked up.

Elizabeth's words came out of her mouth without thought.

"That book is mine." She said bluntly.

"Which one, madam? I can see hundreds of books in this store." Darcy replied sarcastically.

"The book you are holding in your hand is mine." She said, stressing each word she said.

Darcy took a moment to glance at the book he held. He had seen it on the counter and assumed it to be for sale. He knew Georgiana loved poetry and had taken it for her. To Elizabeth's annoyance he slowly opened the book and flipped a few pages.

"I do not see a name on the book." He said calmly.

"I meant, I wanted to buy it. I had placed it on the counter some time ago." Elizabeth said impatiently.

"Is that so, madam? Unfortunately, I have it now and would like to purchase it." He said, not understanding why she made him behave so.

Elizabeth looked at him with shock. Arrogant man!

"So, you want to take something which is not rightfully yours?"

"If you have paid for it, then the accusation would be true. Have you paid for it?"

"I intended to. Mr Francis went inside on an errand. Can you give the book to me now?" She said and rang the bell.

He is in for an embarrassment when Mr Francis comes. Elizabeth thought.

Darcy looked at her and smiled. She looked flushed, and her cheeks turned red with anger.

He was drawn to her beautiful eyes, which expressed her frustration and anger like a mirror.

To Elizabeth's dismay, instead of Mr Francis a young girl came to attend them.

She greeted both of them.

"Mr Francis is busy with his child. He sent me to attend the purchase. I am his niece; I am visiting Lambton." She said.

"Miss, I need to purchase that book." Elizabeth said, looking at the book in Darcy's hand.

"Oh! I can help you find another.'

"No! That book is mine." She said and saw Darcy's lips twitch.

"I mean… I placed the book on the counter waiting for Mr Francis to return, but this gentleman had taken it."

"Oh!" The girl replied looking confused.

Darcy let Elizabeth do all the talking, amused by her outburst.

Her chocolate curls glittered in the rays of the morning sun, complementing the color of her beautiful eyes.

"I could find another copy of the same book." The young girl said.

"There isn't another copy. Miss, you do not understand. I was in the store first. I had already chosen that book." She said in frustration.

She glanced at Darcy's face. Her anger rose when he saw his smile.

"And what is it you find so amusing, sir? You know that I am stating the truth. Why wouldn't you speak up?" She asked.

"I could if you give me a chance." He said.

She stared at him, trying to compose herself.

"What you state maybe the truth. But I did not know that you had already chosen it. I would readily give it to you if you can ask me politely." He said.

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Insufferable man.

"You heard me, madam." Darcy said in a calm but challenging tone.

Elizabeth stared at him with anger.

"I do not need the book, sir. I would sacrifice the pleasure of reading rather than giving you the pleasure of satisfying your pride." She said and left the bookstore in a hurry.

Darcy was not insulted by her words. He was surprised that she treated him with so much contempt.

He did not expect her to leave. Once she left, he felt guilty and embarrassed for what had transpired between them in front of the sales girl.

He understood the girl at the shop was new to Lambton. She neither recognized him nor Elizabeth. He wanted to know who Elizabeth was. He contemplated leaving the book behind.

"Do you want to buy the book, sir?" The young girl asked him, bringing him back to his senses.

She looked confused and worried.

"Yes, I do." He said and bought a couple of other books as well.

He wondered if he should stay for a few minutes and ask Mr Francis who she was.

She doesn't seem like an outsider. Maybe she lives in Lambton.

He left the store, a little ashamed of how he had behaved. Somehow he had enjoyed taunting her. He understood perfectly that she did not like him even before their argument began.

He was not often used to women not favoring his company.

He was somehow intrigued by the fact that she did not respect him for his status.

I am certain that she doesn't know that I am the master of Pemberley. I wonder if she would behave the same way if she did.

He thought as his carriage was speeding towards his estate.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, walked swiftly towards Ashton Park.

Who does he think he is? Such an arrogant man. I should have insisted on calling Mr Francis.

She knew that he had greeted her, but she had insulted him by turning away.

But what am I to do? I cannot look at his face without being haunted by my act of cowardice. She thought.

From his clothes, she knew that he was an affluent man. I wonder who he is?

As she entered the house, the servant handed her a letter from Georgiana.

Dearest Miss Smith,

I have some exciting news to share with you. My brother returned from town a couple of days ago. I intend he wanted to surprise me. I am unable to keep up my commitment to visiting you today evening. Kindly excuse me. But, I will be able to come soon along with my brother. I am certain that he would like to hear you play. I miss your company here. I hope you can visit Pemberley.

Yours,

GD

Elizabeth felt mixed emotions when she finished the letter.

I wonder how her brother is?

She did not know much about Darcy except that her maid had worked in Pemberley previously.

She had enjoyed the blossoming friendship with Georgiana and was uncertain whether her brother would allow it to continue. What if he forbids Miss Darcy from calling on me sighting that I am just an employee?

She then laughed at her silliness.

You are living a life leaving behind the people who raised you and the family you loved.

Nothing is permanent, Elizabeth. Nothing!