Thursday morning, London

Graingers Bookshop

After a late leisurely breakfast, Jane and Elizabeth prepared to visit the Graingers at their bookshop. Georgie had invited Mary to share her lessons.

Anne and Georgie insisted they take a carriage. The Bennets therefore arrived at Graingers Bookshop in the stylish dark blue Darcy carriage, complete with maid and footman. Elizabeth was holding her story manuscript. The bell jangled loudly as they walked into the shop and Elizabeth breathed that delightful bookshop atmosphere.

"Good morning, ladies" said Mr Grainger.

They returned his greeting, walking towards the counter, happy to see a familiar face. He quickly recognised them.

"Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. It has been such a long time. How lovely to see you!"

"Lovely to see you too Uncle Albert" said Elizabeth.

"How are you and Aunt May?" asked Jane.

"We are well. One moment, I will fetch her." He disappeared through the door behind the counter, and they could hear him calling up the stairs for his wife.

May soon joined them and was overjoyed to see the Bennets.

"Come through here, Jane, Elizabeth," said May. "and we'll have some tea."

The room behind the bookshop counter was part sitting room part work room. May ordered tea from the Graingers' one servant. Soon they were all sitting down enjoying tea and cakes. Albert joined them, keeping an ear out for the shop bell.

"How is your family?" asked May.

"You probably don't know but we lost our father, last year."

"No we did not know, I am so sorry to hear that." said Albert.

"That is so sad. How is your mother coping? With Madeleine and Edward away, we get no news."

"Our mother is doing as well as expected I suppose, Aunt May. We are very concerned about the Gardiners as we have not heard from them in almost a year."

"Don't worry too much. We received a letter from them several months ago. They were about to start their journey home. We expect them to be here within two months."

"Two months. That is good news," said Jane.

"Yes, a great relief," said Elizabeth.

"I am surprised they did not write to you, too. Letters can, of course, go astray."

"It is possible our father's heir made a few letters 'go astray'" said Elizabeth.

"Oh dear. That doesn't sound good."

Elizabeth gave the Graingers a summary of life at Longbourn with Mr Collins. "The pressure on Jane to marry him was unbearable, so we left, escaped really, yesterday morning. Mary is with us."

"Yesterday! Where is Mary? Where are you staying?" asked May.

"We are staying at Darcy House with Miss Darcy and her cousin Miss de Bourgh and their companion" said Jane. "Miss Darcy is very young and she and Mary are becoming friends over music."

Albert was very surprised and looked a bit concerned.

"You are staying at Darcy House? he asked "You are acquainted with the Darcys?"

"We are now" said Elizabeth. "During our escape to London we encountered Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh and helped them to avoid a difficult situation which may have threatened their reputations. In return they were insistent we accept their hospitality."

To Elizabeth's relief the Graingers did not ask for further details about an incident that may have damaged the reputations of young ladies.

"Does Mr Darcy reside at Darcy House? Have you met him?"

"We have met him" said Jane. "He lives elsewhere but visits his sister and cousin. He was there last night for dinner."

"de Bourgh" mused Albert "the name is familiar but I have not heard it for a long time."

"Mr Collins was Vicar at Hunsford in Kent. He was appointed to the living by the late Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Miss Anne de Bourgh is her daughter" said Elizabeth.

"We weren't acquainted before yesterday, but Miss de Bourgh had heard of us Bennets from Mr Collins" said Jane.

"I see. Perhaps that is why you were offered hospitality."

"Partly, yes" said Jane with a smile. "The first time I've ever been grateful to Mr Collins. Darcy House is magnificent. I have never seen such luxury."

"Too magnificent" muttered Elizabeth. "It makes me uncomfortable. I don't think we can impose upon them for too long."

"Oh Lizzy" said Jane "I know what you mean, but we are welcome and safe there for now. Let us just settle in for a little while."

Elizabeth asked Albert "Have you met Mr Darcy?"

"I have met Mr Darcy. I advise you to be wary of him. I would describe him as charming but shallow. He also seems to be short of money."

"What of his friend Mr Bingley?" asked Jane "Have you met him?"

"You have met Mr Bingley, too? I believe he has an excellent reputation" said Albert. "His fortune comes from trade but he is apparently a gentleman in every way."

"The Darcys seem to be very wealthy. Why would Mr Darcy be short of funds?" Elizabeth asked.

"I am not sure. I believe Mr Darcy has not yet come into his full inheritance. His trustees must have him on a tight allowance. He may have expensive tastes and perhaps gambles too much. Many young men do. Lately he seems to be taking desperate measures."

"How so?"

"He is selling his books. You mentioned Mr Bingley…"

"Yes?"

"I received the first box of books from Mr Darcy a few weeks ago. Mr Bingley was with him. Later that morning Mr Bingley returned with a Mr Avery who bought all the books and the current arrangement was put in place. Since then I have received two more boxes of books."

Jane said "We met Mr Avery too."

"Mr Avery buys Mr Darcy's books?"

"Yes, he said he will buy any books from Darcy House. He pays a very good price."

"Do you know anything about Mr Avery?"

"No. That was the first time I met him."

"Very odd," said Elizabeth, "On the subject of books, Uncle Albert, I have written a story, in the hope of getting it published." She indicated the book she was holding. "I don't know how to do that, nor if anyone would want to publish it. I was hoping you might have some ideas."

"What is your story about?" asked May

"It's a romance with adventure" replied Elizabeth.

"Romance is very popular at the moment." said Albert "I have some publisher contacts. Would you like me to look at your story?"

"I would love that, Uncle Albert."

Thursday, Darcy House, London, Jane and Elizabeth's room

Elizabeth and Jane returned to their room to get ready for lunch.

"Do you think Mr Darcy is a serious gambler?" asked Elizabeth

"I have no idea."

"Uncle Albert said he was."

"No, Uncle Albert only said he might be."

"He must be" said Elizabeth "Why else would he be short of money?"

"Many reasons. We just don't know."

"I want to know."

"That doesn't mean it is any of our business."

"True, but I like to understand people. I want to find out the truth."

"Take your time forming conclusions. I don't think you should get too interested in Mr Darcy, Lizzy. What did Uncle Albert say? Charming but shallow. I'd keep that in mind. Besides, Lizzy, how could you possibly like someone who sells his books. I'd have thought that very off-putting for you!"

Elizabeth laughed "Yes, but he is just so very handsome."

"Good looks are not enough."

"I know. I want to understand his character, but he is…I don't know what he is. Elusive."

"We have only just met him. A bit of patience and observation may help you there."

"You know I am not patient. In the meantime, I am going to ask Mr Avery why he is buying Mr Darcy's books!"

"No need. I can tell you what he will say."

"What?"

"He wants to have his own library. A perfectly reasonable explanation."

"But not satisfying."

"Dear Lizzy. You want mystery. Your curiosity and imagination means you are going to be a great writer."

"Do you think so?"

"I do."

"I love you Jane"

"Love you too, Lizzy"

London

Jane and Elizabeth visited Mrs Gardiner's dressmaker Friday morning. Mary was invited to join them but was more interested in further lessons with Georgie. The dressmaker was not located in the fashionable areas so they were able to order several reasonably priced dresses.

That afternoon, the weather became rainy and cold. A planned walk in the park was put off. The next few days were quiet.

Although Anne was not officially receiving callers yet, having decided to wait until the middle of the next week, the gentlemen knew they were welcome to call.

Mr Bingley managed to call every day, sometimes accompanied by Avery and the captain and once by Darce.

Jane and Elizabeth concentrated upon getting to know their hostesses including Lady Clara. Mary and Georgie were fast friends and already knew almost everything there was to know about each other.

Jane told the Darcy House ladies about her previous encounter with Mr Bingley. They thought that was a wonderful story. They were particularly impressed to hear that Elizabeth had written a novel about that meeting.

Mr Grainger sent back Elizabeth's manuscript with a detailed letter so Elizabeth was busy incorporating some of his suggestions into the story.