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Mr. Darcy gazed out of the carriage window, doing his utmost not to look directly at Elizabeth.

Though her presence in Georgiana's life pleased him, he knew it would come at the cost of his own peace of mind.

Before Elizabeth's arrival, when Georgiana fell into one of her melancholy spells, she would remain in bed for days, crying, not eating—and no one quite knew how to comfort her.

"Lizzy, you are so quiet," Georgiana said gently.

"Forgive me, Miss Darcy. I was only admiring the landscape.

One can already see the first signs of spring in some of the trees," Elizabeth replied.

"Indeed, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy added, "the woods shall be in full bloom within a month.

" "Spring at Pemberley is truly enchanting," said Georgiana with enthusiasm.

"You will love walking through the grounds and watching nature awaken.

" Mr. Darcy began to describe the seasonal changes to the estate, and Georgiana chimed in with delightful recollections.

Elizabeth, however, chose to remain silent.

She had promised herself that she would maintain a reserved demeanor to avoid overstepping her position.

Mr. Darcy noticed her restraint. He missed her clever observations, her lively wit.

The journey continued in subdued conversation until they arrived in the market town of Lambton, just over half an hour later.

"Would you accompany me first to the bookstore?

Then I shall join you at Mr. Hall's warehouse," Mr. Darcy proposed.

"I think that is an excellent idea. What do you think, Lizzy?

" asked Georgiana. "Whatever you decide is perfectly agreeable," Elizabeth answered with a polite smile.

"Then to the bookstore we go," said Mr. Darcy.

Upon entering the shop, Mr. Shaw came forward to greet Mr. Darcy, promptly handing him a list of the latest arrivals and recommending a few notable volumes.

Georgiana used the opportunity to inquire about new works by her favourite author.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth browsed the shelves of adventure novels and discovered a book by her favourite writer—one she had long hoped to purchase before her father's passing changed everything.

Now, most of her earnings went to support her mother, and what little remained was saved for emergencies.

A book, however tempting, was a luxury she could no longer afford.

"Miss Bennet, we shall remain here a few more minutes.

If you see a title that interests you, please give it to Mr. Jones so he may add it to our parcel," said Mr. Darcy.

"Thank you, sir, but I shall not be purchasing anything," Elizabeth replied politely.

"You need not concern yourself. Choose anything you wish—I shall be covering the cost of today's purchases," he said kindly, having noticed her careful glances at the price tags.

"Thank you very much, sir, but nothing has caught my eye," she answered graciously.

With a curtsy, she seated herself by the window to wait.

Though grateful for the generous salary Mr. Darcy paid her, Elizabeth had her pride and would not accept gifts, no matter how well-intentioned.

"Georgie, you and Miss Bennet may go ahead to the shop.

I shall join you shortly," Mr. Darcy said.

"Come, Lizzy. I need a new pair of riding gloves," Georgiana smiled, linking arms with her.

Once they had left, Mr. Darcy picked up the very book Elizabeth had been admiring and quietly added it to the purchase.

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw. One of my staff will come by shortly to collect the package.

" "Always a pleasure, Mr. Darcy," said Mr. Shaw warmly.

Mr. Darcy was his most esteemed customer, and today's order had been particularly generous.

When he arrived at the shop, he saw Elizabeth at the counter, paying for a small parcel.

"What did you buy, Lizzy?" Georgiana asked with curiosity.

"Just a few pieces of fabric and some embroidery thread.

My mother's birthday is approaching, and I wish to embroider a handkerchief for her.

I also hope to make one for Jane. She adores flowers, and I thought I might attempt an orchid like those in your greenhouse.

But I shall need your help—I can embroider quite well, but my drawing skills leave much to be desired.

" "I would be delighted to help! I was thinking of embroidering handkerchiefs for my brother and cousin as well," said Georgiana.

"Oh, Georgiana, at last, I shall be the one teaching you something," Elizabeth laughed.

"Until now, you have guided me through new piano pieces, sketching, and painting.

" "Did you find everything you needed?" Mr. Darcy asked as he approached.

"Not quite. I still need new riding gloves.

The weather is far too lovely not to go riding.

Lizzy, you really must learn. William and I could teach you.

" "I am truly grateful for the offer, Miss Darcy, but I much prefer walking," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

Mr. Darcy noticed that the moment Elizabeth became aware of his presence, her manner grew composed—cordial, yet distant.

"How do you like these gloves, Lizzy?" Georgiana asked, holding up a pair of finely stitched leather gloves lined with fur.

"They are very elegant, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth replied.

She had no doubt they were also costly. "And what about these?

Silk-lined—perfect for a formal dinner." "Undoubtedly elegant," said Elizabeth cautiously.

"The riding gloves are for me, and these others—for you, my dear Lizzy.

" "No, Miss Darcy… That is not necessary," Elizabeth protested, but Georgiana paid her no heed.

"Please, Miss Darcy..." "My dear friend, please allow me to give you a gift," Georgiana said pleadingly.

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied. She knew Georgiana had given her that gift with great affection, but she could not help but feel deflated in Mr. Darcy's presence.

Once their purchases were completed, the trio returned to the carriage for the journey back to Pemberley.

Georgiana chatted happily, telling her brother about the latest piano piece she and Elizabeth had been practising and how she intended to perform it at the upcoming dinner for his guests.

Mr. Darcy listened with contentment, glad to see his sister growing in confidence.

But he could not help worrying about Elizabeth.

She seemed changed—her joy subdued, her spirit restrained, as though something had dimmed the light that once animated her so brightly.

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