Page 100 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Welcome, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Moore said, curtsying slightly.

“Good day to you, madam,” he replied, bowing his shoulders.

“Mrs. Moore, may I have your permission to ask my fellow patrons if they know who this guinea pig belongs to?” Lizzy asked in a soft, pleading voice, indicating the basket in her arms. Mrs. Moore gaped at her. Quickly, Lizzy added, “Harry found him and brought him home last week. I have asked some of our neighbors, but no one has come forward.”

“I have never seen a guinea pig. What does he look like?” Mrs. Moore asked.

Lizzy set the basket on the counter and opened the lid. “He is ever so lovely, ma’am.”

Mrs. Moore cautiously leaned over and peered down at Jeffry. “He’s like a bunny with tiny ears.”

“And even more tame,” Lizzy assured her. “I promise to keep him in the basket.”

Mrs. Moore straightened and scanned the half-filled library before looking back at Lizzy. “I do not see any nervous types in today, so you may show him around.”

“Thank you,” Lizzy said, taking the basket off the counter.

“Good luck,” Mrs. Moore offered.

“Thank you,” Mr. Darcy replied for Lizzy.

She approached the first table and greeted the patrons with a sunny smile. The gentleman sitting there stood and bowed. She curtsied slightly. Mr. Darcy kept back a few steps so she did not need to introduce him. Lizzy introduced herself, however, explained her errand, and offered a look inside the basket to those who expressed interest. The gentleman and three ladies sitting at the table wished to take a look. They all shook their heads, and she thanked them before moving on to the next group.

“No luck,” Mr. Darcy said as they made their way toward the entrance after the last set of patrons had been shown Jeffry. “I am sorry.”

How nice and patient he has been, Lizzy thought. He has been polite, and he has not stared at anyone using his haughty demeanor. How kind he has been, too. My heart flutters every time I look at him. How will I bear it when he returns home?

I expect I am being silly. He is only diverting himself with my company. I am certain he did not imagine he would find his friend busy courting my sister when he arrived here for his visit.

“Thank you. These patrons will tell others who will spread the news, and eventually luck may find us,” Lizzy said, trying to sound optimistic. “Seeing so many familiar faces soothed the oddness of my request.”

“It seemed to me that most everyone knew who you were,” he said, taking her arm and guiding her through the door Harris had opened for them.

“I have a reputation for being good with animals,” Lizzy confessed. “Ah, Harris, thank you for letting Harry stand with you.”

“Yer welcome, miss,” he said, touching the brim of his hat. ‘E even resisted the urge t’run after a squirrel that dared t’scamper over the gutter across the road. I’m right proud of ‘im.”

“Well done, Harry,” Lizzy said, grinning. “Come along, now.”

Darcy slipped a yellow-boy into the doorman’s hand. Harris pocketed the coin and touched his brim again, grinning. Darcy turned around and a flash of red across the road caught his attention. He focused on it.

Wickham!

The bastard lifted his black bicorn in mocking salute. His smug smile infuriated Darcy to such a degree that he could only glare at the man. To his continued fury, Wickham laughed and walked on, seemingly reveling in the effect his presence had on his former playmate.

A hand touched Darcy’s arm. He tore his gaze away from the disappearing blaggard and looked down at Miss Elizabeth’s concerned expression.

“Who is he?” she asked. He pressed his lips together, which appeared to prompt her to continue. “Was that the man you warned me about?”

“It was.”

“It is a shame a man so full of himself should be so handsome,” Miss Elizabeth observed in a musing voice. Sighing, she turned him away so they faced the direction of Longbourn village. “I could set Harry on him, if you like?”

Harry obligingly growled, which made Darcy smile in spite of his anger. “You are a good boy,” he praised. Harry chuffed his agreement.

“Shall we return home?” she asked. Then, before he could answer, she gestured to the sweets shop. “Or, you could buy me some roasted nuts?”

“What type do you like?” he asked, opening the door for her.