“When have you ever laid eyes on a militiaman?” Elizabeth asked, annoyed by her sister’s silliness.
Lydia and Kitty ignored her and went on talking about how exciting it would be to see the men parade down the streets, if they were so lucky.
When they arrived in Meryton, all their hopes seemed likely to be disappointed. Everything was as it had been on every other day of their upbringing. People milled about the market, shopboys ran hither and yon with deliveries, and women strolledabout the dusty lanes in pairs or threes, chatting about the latest gossip.
“I should like to stop in at the lending library and exchange this for a new book,” Elizabeth remarked.
“No one wants to go to that dreary old library, Lizzy. Kitty and I want to go to the milliner’s and look at ribbons.”
“I will take them. Come along, Kitty, Lydia,” Jane suggested. Sweet Jane — always so accommodating. She ushered the younger girls onto the boardwalk outside the shops. “We shall come and collect you when we are finished.”
Elizabeth shot her a grateful smile, then watched them head two doors down to the milliners before stepping into the little library. It had the dear, familiar scent of musty books, all of them just waiting for her to read them. She had got through a goodly portion since she and Jane had become old enough to walk to town on their own.
“Ah, good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Wainwright greeted her as she entered the dimly lit establishment. “Back with your last book already?”
“Yes, Mr Wainwright. I wondered if I might trade this one out for another?”
He shook his head. “I think you are the fastest reader in Meryton—perhaps the county.” He motioned to the half-dozen shelves that were lined with books. “Please help yourself.”
Elizabeth thanked him, then went to peruse the shelves. There were books on philosophy, science, history, and theology. But she always gravitated toward the books of fiction, preferring to spend her walks with scenes of heroines presented with impossible choices and heroes prevailing against all odds. She chose a thick volume of three Gothic novels put into one issue,and Mr Wainwright promptly noted the loan down in his great ledger. With a word of thanks and a quick bow, Elizabeth left the lending library.
She opened her book and began to skim the contents, stepping out onto the steps leading up into the lending library — one step too far. Having missed the step, momentum carried her inescapably forward. Elizabeth gave a yelp of surprise and tripped on her skirts before she knew what was happening. The world seemed to slow as she careened toward the street.Elizabeth closed her eyes and braced for the impact.
At the last moment, she felt strong arms encircle her, breaking her fall. Her eyes flew open, and she saw a handsome face staring down at her, breathless and concerned. “Are you well, Miss? Please tell me you are unhurt.”
For once, Elizabeth’s ready tongue deserted her. The shocking but necessary liberty of his arms around her was so great that she could not seem to speak. It took a moment of great willpower before she could bring herself to answer. “I believe I am all right.” She looked down in dismay at her skirts, the hem torn when she had stepped on it in her fall.
He continued to hold her, almost as though they were dancing. “Forgive my forwardness, but I could not stand aside and see you fall into the road. Please forgive me if I have embarrassed you.” He released Elizabeth, pausing a moment to ensure she was steady on her feet. Looking around in renewed embarrassment, she saw that a small crowd had gathered, including her sisters. Undoubtedly, they had been coming to retrieve her at the library.
“You did not embarrass me,” Elizabeth said when he helped right herself. “I did that to myself. How can I thank you enough, Mr —”
He was unable to answer, for Lydia and Kitty marched up to them and demanded an introduction, much to Elizabeth’s chagrin. “We hardly had time to be properly introduced, girls,” Elizabeth chided, smoothing down her skirts.
“I would be happy to oblige,” the young man said quickly. “It is irregular, perhaps, but please allow me to take the liberty of introducing myself. My name is George Wickham, newly commissioned into the militia, and I humbly place myself in your service, ladies.” He gave a gallant bow.
His charming manners made such an impression that Lydia and Kitty giggled and began whispering behind their hands to each other. Elizabeth smiled, knowing that colour was filling her face. Telling herself not to betray such sensibility, she took it upon herself to return the introduction. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Wickham. I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and this is my elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet.” She turned toward her younger sisters and gave them a warning look. “And these are our youngest sisters, Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia.”
“What a fortuitous afternoon, to meet such lovely young ladies on my first visit to Meryton,” he exclaimed.
“Oh, Mr Wickham, how perfect you are!” Lydia burst out.
Elizabeth stepped in front of Lydia and grabbed her hand before she could say anything more. “I thank you for coming to my aid, Mr Wickham.” Lydia struggled to get her hand free, but Elizabeth would not allow it.
“It was my duty as a soldier and a gentleman, but also my pleasure. I am glad you are uninjured, Miss Elizabeth.” He smiled gaily at all of them in turn. “May I see you home?”
“Oh, no, that is not necessary,” Elizabeth said. Her sister dug her nails into Elizabeth’s skin to show how displeased she was. Lydia started whispering behind her, but Elizabethwaved her away with her free hand. “We would not want to inconvenience you.”
“It would be no inconvenience, but I would not want to intrude on your family outing. May I be so bold as to call on you at your home tomorrow afternoon, to be sure that you are well?”
Elizabeth felt the heat rush into her cheeks anew. “We would be delighted to receive you, Mr Wickham, whenever it may be convenient for you.” She told him the address, and he thanked her.
He bowed and started to back away. “Until the morrow then,” he said and walked away to rejoin some of his fellow soldiers.
When he was far enough away, Elizabeth finally let go of Lydia’s hand. “Why did you do that?” Lydia whined loudly. “We might have had him introduce us to his compatriots. And we might have invited them all in for tea this very afternoon! Why are you so selfish, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes heavenward. “You are much too forward for your own good, Lydia. And you too, Kitty. We will see him tomorrow, and I promise it will not be the last opportunity for us to meet the officers of the regiment.” Elizabeth sighed. “I think I’ve had enough excitement. Shall we return home?”
Jane nodded in understanding. “Yes, I think we ought.”
