Papa called Mary over to him. “Have you chosen your sheet music?” he asked.
“Yes, I have.”
“Give it to me, and I shall conclude my business with Mr. Peterson.”
“Oh, thank you, Papa,” Mary replied.
“You are very welcome.”
Miss Darcy approached her brother. “William, I found some sheet music that I would like to purchase.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “That will give you something to work on while we are here.”
She smiled and clutched her hands together. “Yes, I am eager to begin working on it! Are you waiting for something, brother?”
“Yes, there is a book I have been meaning to order. As it happens, the proprietor just received an extra copy of the book this morning. He has gone to retrieve it.”
“That is very fortunate,” Miss Darcy said.
“Indeed, it is,” he replied.
Elizabeth had noticed when Miss Darcy walked away, leaving Mr. Bingley and Jane to converse alone. She thought about walking over to join the conversation, but decided against it. What if the beginning of something special was forming between them? No, she would not interrupt them. She would, instead, take a peek inside Malcolm Dean’s book.
Mr. Peterson returned, presenting the book. “Here we are, sir."
Mr. Darcy made his purchases, and then he and his sister browsed the bookshop.
Papa completed his transactions as well. “Mr. Bingley, it was a pleasure to see you all.”
“The pleasure was ours, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Bingley replied.
Papa then turned to Elizabeth and her sisters. “Girls, I believe you are for the haberdasher and other various destinations?”
“Yes, Papa,” replied Jane.
“Very well. Then I shall see you at home,” he said then took his leave.
“May we accompany you?” Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth. “I should like to visit the haberdasher as well.”
“Certainly! We would be delighted for you to join us.”
When they reached the establishment, the gentlemen parted ways with the ladies. Jane and Mary chose a dark green ribbon with scalloped edging for Kitty, as Elizabeth looked through the lace options. She found an airy Belgium floral that was dyed lilac. Elizabeth thought it quite pretty, and felt it would pair beautifully with her lilac chiffon gown, which was a shade or two lighter than the lace. She went to the counter and handed over the lace and ribbon to be measured out and cut.
The bell above the shop door chimed. Elizabeth looked up in time to see Sir William and Charlotte walk in.
“Miss Eliza!” Sir William greeted her with his booming voice. “A pleasure to see you! How do you do?”
“I am well, sir, thank you. How are you today?”
“Very well, very well indeed!”
“I am glad to hear it,” Elizabeth gave him a wide grin, then turned to her friend. “Hello, Charlotte.”
“Hello, Elizabeth. Doing some shopping?” asked Charlotte.
Elizabeth confirmed she was then Sir William excused himself to see to his own shopping. Elizabeth purchased her items, then turned to her friend.
“Look, Charlotte.” She eased out a short length of lace from the paper.
