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I n her stay in Derbyshire so far, Elizabeth was delighted with the village of Lambton.

The people were friendly and kind; whenever she visited the village, she was reminded of Mertyon.

Although Lady Martha insisted on taking a carriage, she walked to the village occasionally.

This morning, she walked to Lambton, relishing the fresh air.

She stopped at the post office first, and in a few months, she had made acquaintance with many people in the village and had become a known face.

She sent the letter to Charlotte and walked to the bookstore.

Elizabeth loved the small but well-stocked store.

“Miss Smith, good morning,” Mr. Albert said, and 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 keeps you occupied for your literary pursuits.”

Elizabeth laughed.

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

“Is there anything, in particular, you would like to look at today?” he asked.

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

“Of course we do. Please follow me,” Mr. Albert said, leading her towards the store's end.

He showed her some new collection that had arrived that week, and Elizabeth lost herself as she browsed through the books. After a few minutes, the shopkeeper called out to her.

“I will have to go inside for a few minutes as I am taking care of my son today while my wife is away. I shall return soon, but in case you have selected what you need, please ring the bell. The little boy is a handful,” he said and hurriedly disappeared through the backdoor.

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

She waited a few minutes and decided not to ring the bell. Elizabeth was not in a hurry and did not want to disturb Mr. Albert. 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, and they immediately recognized each other from their meeting the previous day.

So, I meet her again.

Darcy thought as he tipped his hat, but to his annoyance, Elizabeth ignored him and looked away.

Darcy was angry, not understanding why she despised him. He looked around for Mr. Albert and found no one else in the store. To his irritation, Elizabeth ignored him and kept herself occupied with the book.

Who is she? How can she be so arrogant?

He wondered and tried his best not to look in her direction.

As for Elizabeth, she was unsettled by Darcy’s presence, and the mere sight of him made her recollect the horrific incident on the cliff. She wanted to leave the store but stood rooted to the spot, hoping that he would leave.

Without choice, she finally decided to leave, walked past him, and reached the counter.

Elizabeth looked for the book she had placed, and to her dismay, it was missing. Slowly, she looked in Darcy’s direction as he stood a few feet away. To her horror, he held the book she had selected in his hands. Darcy sensed her gaze and looked up.

And to her surprise, Elizabeth’s words came out of her mouth without thought.

“That book is mine,” she declared 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 previously seen it on the counter and assumed it was for sale. He knew Georgiana loved poetry and had decided to buy 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 cried 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 that is not rightfully yours?”

“If you paid for it, the accusation would be true. Have you?”

“I intended to. Mr. Albert 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. Albert returns.

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

He was drawn to her beautiful eyes, which beautifully mirrored her frustration and anger.

To Elizabeth’s dismay, instead of Mr. Albert, a young girl came to attend to them, and she greeted Darcy and Elizabeth with a smile.

“My uncle is busy with his child and 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. Albert 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,” Elizabeth cried in frustration.

She glanced at Darcy’s face; her anger rose when she 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 might be the truth, but I was unaware that you had already chosen it. I would readily give it to you if you can ask me politely,” Darcy 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 rather sacrifice the pleasure of reading than satisfy your pride,” she said sharply and hurriedly left the bookstore.

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

He did not expect her to leave, but once she did, he felt guilty and embarrassed for what had transpired between them in front of the salesgirl.

He understood the girl at the shop was new to Lambton as she neither recognized him nor Elizabeth.

Darcy wanted to know who Elizabeth was and 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, buying some other books as well.

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

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

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

Darcy was not often used to women not favoring his company, and 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 sped towards his estate, and Elizabeth fumed as she walked swiftly towards Ashton Park.

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

Elizabeth knew he had greeted her, but she 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.

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, and I think he wanted to surprise me.

I am unable to keep up my commitment and call on you this evening.

Kindly excuse me, but I will be able to come soon with my brother.

I am certain that he would like to hear you play.

I miss your company here and hope you can visit Pemberley someday.

Yours,

GD

Elizabeth felt mixed emotions when she finished the letter.

I wonder how her brother is?

Though she had enjoyed the blossoming friendship with Georgiana, she was uncertain whether her brother would allow it to continue.

What if he forbids Miss Darcy from calling on me because 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!