We have spent three summer holidays with Darcy and Elizabeth after they were married. In this vignette, Darcy and Elizabeth have their first meeting in a haberdasher’s shop in Ramsgate instead of the Meryton Assembly. I hope you enjoy this new encounter as much as I did.
An Encounter at Ramsgate
As he strolled upon the stone harbor with the gentle sea breeze lifting his dark, wavy hair away from his face, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s last shreds of misgiving for having agreed to remain in Ramsgate melted away. His sister had been correct: the town had too many pleasing attributes to allow the likes of Wickham to sully it for them.
Had they left for London immediately as had been his intention, Ramsgate would thereafter have been associated with such painful recollections as to make the idea of returning to it unthinkable. It is probable that their town house, ideally situated only a short walk from the beach, would have been sold.
Despite the marina being rather more populated with tourists than Darcy could like, and the inevitable, slight tightening of his chest muscles as they passed him, he continued unrecognized and unbothered, and the sights and sounds around him gratified his senses. The soothing rumble of the rolling waves as they repeated their dancing motion upon the sand was punctuated by the hungry calls of seagulls and the occasional happy shrieks of children playing by the water’s edge. The air itself—damp and tinged with the aroma of the ocean—was an invigorating presence. A pair of frolicking sea lions, not more than twenty yards from the shore, periodically came into view, and a number of ships and fishing boats dotted the ocean horizon. No wonder Georgiana had wished to remain! What did London have to compare to this? Not even his offer of taking her to Pemberley had swayed her.
Darcy had used the time set aside for Georgiana’s music practice this afternoon to slip from the town house with the intention of walking to High Street to find a gift for his sister. It had long been his habit to buy her a memento from each trip they took together, and now, more than ever, Georgiana needed to re-establish normality to her life. Upon leaving the house, he was drawn towards the ocean, and he took a circuitous path towards the main street in town. He entered High Street where it ended at the harbor wall.
Entering the large haberdasher’s shop, Darcy was overwhelmed at first by the dazzling array of wares on display throughout the store. Nearly every conceivable color was represented in the goods offered that included everything from items of clothing, accessories, and children’s toys, to locally made artwork, seashells, and even a fair-sized selection of books related to the sea and the town’s history. Outside of London, it was rare to find a shop that offered this much variety. How was he to choose an item for Georgiana?
As he wandered through the store, a clerk greeted him, and after he politely refused her offer to direct him, left him to his own devices. The shop was quiet with only a few other patrons. This was such a different experience from shopping in Bond Street, where he was apt to cross paths with acquaintances, a prospect that, for him, detracted from any excursion. He had, in fact, recognized a couple of people from London since his arrival, but they had not noticed him, and he was able to avoid them. Perhaps because no one expected to see him there, they were less apt to identify him as they would in London or Derbyshire. At least on this day, he could shop with a kind of freedom and anonymity not usually available to him.
Darcy stopped beside an artfully arranged display of ladies’ gloves. Georgiana could always use more gloves, and there were several here in colors she did not already have. A particular pair stood out from the rest, and he picked it up to examine it. It was made of a light blue leather, soft and supple to the touch, and decorated on the back with dark blue stitching in the shape of a rose. Unless he missed his guess, his sister’s favorite pelisse would match it perfectly. He would get it for her.
“Oh, I would not do that, sir.”
His spine stiffened even as he turned sharply towards the dulcet sound. What kind of woman would speak to a gentleman unknown to her this way? What could she mean by it? She had the appearance of a gentlewoman though modestly dressed. He was accustomed to being an object of intense interest by unmarried ladies, but none of them had ever been so brazen as to speak to him without an introduction. Did she know who he was? Many in London or Derbyshire knew him by sight. Was this some brassy, though admittedly imaginative, attempt to gain his notice? The young woman’s gaze was not upon him but the gloves in his hand, giving him the freedom to inspect her person with impunity.
She was rather short, with a light, pleasing figure. Her hair was a luxurious, thick, mane of dark curly locks, precariously pinned in such a way that they seemed poised to escape at a moment’s notice. Her face, oval and more tanned than was fashionable, suffered from more than one lack of perfect symmetry and could not be considered beautiful, but her eyes—large, expressive, and vivid—were exquisite. Nevertheless, he could not but be affronted by such a disregard for propriety as this. He used a cold tone to leave her in no doubt of his sentiments. “Did you address me, madam?”
Her response came in a light and cheery voice without a trace of repentance. “I did. I am well aware that I broke one of the basic rules of good society to do so, yet I could not stand by in good conscience and allow you to make a grievous mistake. The gloves in your hand are beautiful and stylish; they caught my notice as well. It is a great shame that they are lined with a fabric that is rough and uncomfortable. I tried them on earlier, and I was most disappointed.”
Removing his own glove from his left hand, he slipped two fingers inside the light blue glove. It was clear at once that the young lady was correct: the fabric was abrasive even to his skin; Georgiana would have certainly found it unbearable. It seemed the young woman had done him a good turn. He returned the gloves to the table. This time his voice was reflective of contrition and gratitude. “Indeed, you are correct. I must thank you for your timely warning.”
The hint of a smile played upon the young lady’s lips. “You are welcome. I can recommend the gloves two rows below in the same color. They have a different design, that of a butterfly, but more importantly, the lining is a smooth, comfortable fabric.”
As Darcy took up the pair she indicated and felt inside, he became aware of a pleasant scent wafting around him. It was a pleasing, floral aroma: lavender with a trace of vanilla. He inhaled deeply several times until he had the perception of being disoriented or off-balance. Just as she had stated, this pair of gloves was lined with a soft, sleek fabric. “Yes, the difference is rather dramatic. I appreciate the recommendation.”
“I am pleased to have been of service. If I had not stopped you, you would have been forced to come back and return the gloves.”
His jaw tightened as Georgiana’s likely reaction to such a gift from him flashed through his mind. “I fear not. My sister would have been reluctant to tell me of the problem with the gloves. She might have suffered through wearing them or else she would have just accepted them, thanked me, and kept them hidden away in the back of a drawer rather than take a chance on wounding my feelings.”
The young lady’s features softened into a depiction of compassion. “She sounds like a sweet, thoughtful sister.”
His voice mellowed as it often did when he spoke of Georgiana. “She is. I am fortunate to have her in my life.”
“I imagine your sister must be like my eldest sister, Jane.” A becoming smile overspread the lady’s countenance. “She is my closest friend, and she is beautiful inside and out. She would go to great lengths to avoid offending anyone. She endeavors to always find the good in others, however hard it may be to decipher. It is against her nature to hold a mean thought about anyone.”
“Yes, my sister is much the same way.” How extraordinary it was to have such a pleasant conversation with a woman he had never met. If only it did not have to end. Wait a minute―where did that thought come from? Why did he find this young woman, a total stranger, so easy to speak with? When forced into social gatherings, he was apt to produce naught but awkward, stilted dialogue, and even that came at the cost of high anxiety, but speaking to this particular lady was almost effortless. Was it because they were strangers that he had none of the discomfort that accompanied speaking to ladies of the ton?
The young lady’s gaze swept to the side and behind her as if in search of someone. Was she preparing to step away? How would he stop her from leaving? He must think of a question to ask her. He cleared his throat. “Is, ah, is this your first visit to Ramsgate?”
She turned back towards him, but her gaze did not surpass the level of his shoulders. It was as if she was suddenly afflicted with shyness. “Yes. It is my first time to visit the ocean, and it is everything and more than I had imagined.” A fanciful glimmer entered her eyes. “I am fond of walking. At home, I traverse the paths around our estate nearly each morning. While here, I have rambled along the beach each day, and I have found the ever-changing sights at the seashore to equal any of the stunning vistas of my own neighborhood. This is a vacation I shall never forget. My aunt was kind to invite me. She is occupied now at the other side of the shop, or she would have prevented me from breaking etiquette in this way. She is everything good and proper.”
Darcy tensed at her reference to the fact that they should not be speaking to each other. At present, it seemed a nonsensical rule. “Are you a long way from your home?”
“I am from Hertfordshire, sir.”
“Ah, that is not so far.”
She raised one brow. “It is in my view. It is the farthest I have ever traveled from home.”
It occurred to Darcy that Hertfordshire was an easy distance from London. “Yet I am certain you have not spent all of your days before now at Hertfordshire. Do you visit London often?”
She raised her chin and met his eyes. “A couple of times per year I stay with my aunt and uncle in Cheapside. My uncle’s business is located nearby.”
A spasm assaulted his stomach. An uncle in trade? The fantasy forming in his mind of the lady and the life she led was shattered at this revelation. This bit of information should have motivated him to end this tête-à-tête at once, but oddly, it did not. With a start, he found her studying him with an unreadable expression. Had his reaction shown on his face? In any case, he had taken too long to reply. He spoke the first words that entered his head. “Do you avail yourself of the amusements London offers such as concerts, the theater, and the museums?”
“Yes, I am fond of those things in addition to the parks and gardens. Do you spend much time in London?”
“More than I would like. When I am able, I prefer to spend most of my time at my estate in Derbyshire.” The tense set of her posture gave him the impression that she was preparing to leave him. A sensation of panic rose within him. “Might I learn the name of the lady who has done me a great favor today?” Had he gone too far? Would she find the question intrusive?
Her luminous eyes flitted up towards his before lowering again. “I am Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet, I am Mr. Darcy, and I thank you again most sincerely.” As he spoke his name, his gaze was riveted upon her face; she showed no sign of recognition.
She dropped to a curtsy. “Good day, Mr. Darcy.”
He bowed. “Good day, Miss Bennet.” As she walked swiftly away from him, a heaviness suffused his limbs.
Darcy lumbered to the center of the shop, positioning himself behind a display of men’s coats. Angling his head between the two featured styles of coats, he had a clear view of Miss Bennet and an older, fashionably dressed lady at the other end of the shop. They stood facing away from him and were in discussion with a clerk. He could not have explained why—it was clear she was not of his social sphere—but he was seized with a yearning to know more of this lady. If he was blessed with the innate affability of his friend Bingley or his Cousin Richard, he might have contrived a way to do so, but as it was, he was at a loss. It was unusual enough that he had spoken to her as much as he had.
With a sigh, Darcy took a final glance at Miss Bennet before he walked to the counter, paid for the gloves, and left the shop. As he played back each moment of his remarkable encounter with the singular lady on the short walk to his town house, a growing confidence marked each step. In some manner, the experience of conversing with Miss Bennet, a virtual stranger to him, and perhaps the gratifying effect of that lady’s beguiling smile, inspired the certainty that Georgiana would move past her recent horrendous experience and emerge stronger and wiser than ever before.
Wasn’t it neat how this chance meeting touched Darcy’s heart and helped him deal with his concerns for Georgiana? I want to read more.. How about you? A few unsuspecting moments in time, and the fates are sealed for a man and woman.
If you haven’t commented on the previous three vignettes, now is your chance. The giveaway winners will be announced on Friday, a week after the last vignette has posted and will be chosen from all comments made here during the summer holiday event. We appreciate your thoughts so please have your share in the conversation.
As a reminder to everyone, the comments must be approved before they show in the comment thread. If you don’t see yours, it should be visible soon. The blog is checked often and new comments will be approved.
Books by Kelly Miller
Anji
Oh, I’d love to see this vignette expanded into a longer piece! Pretty please, Kelly? Lovely to see Darcy as something other than his usual ‘standing about by himself in a stupid manner’, to slightly misquote Miss Austen.
P. S. Just one point from this nit-picky Brit. Sea lions aren’t found in the North Atlantic. We only have seals.
Kelly Miller
Hello Anji,
I might expand this one in the future. It is funny, but I never wrote a short vignette or one shot such as this until I was asked to by Meryton Press; it is more my style to write a full novel. I thank you for your complimentary comment and appreciate the info on sea lions. Definitely, good to know! 🙂
Meryton Press
That would be nice, Anji. We can hope that Kelly will expand this one in the future!
Debbie
Thank you for sharing the excerpt. What an interesting turn on this event.
Kelly Miller
Hi Debbie,
You’re welcome! I am glad you liked it, and appreciate your comment!
Meryton Press
I thought it was an interesting turn and could have such an effect on the future events.
Glynis
Oh I loved this! Typical Elizabeth, ignoring propriety to be of help. Hopefully Darcy will be delighted to see her again at the Meryton Assembly and ask her to dance rather than insulting her?
Thank you for sharing this Kelly.
Kelly Miller
Hi Glynis,
I’m so glad you liked it! It does make me wonder what would happen, so who knows? I will give it thought, but I do have other things to work on first. Thank you reading it and leaving a comment!
Meryton Press
Wasn’t this typical of Elizabeth! It would be great if they were delighted to see each other at the Meryton Assembly and they danced! Thanks for stopping by.
Ginna
Ooh, I would have enjoyed the next few scenes: the assembly in Meryton, where Darcy realizes that he already knows on of the attendees, and asks to be introduced to the family, the “heartfelt delight” each feels upon seeing the other, D&E dancing, Miss Bingley’s pique…..
Kelly Miller
Hi Ginna,
Oh, you are making it sound really good now! LOL. Thank you so much for stopping by to read and leave a comment!
Meryton Press
The next few scenes would be nice, wouldn’t they! What do you say, Kelly? 🙂
Suzan Lauder
They had such lovely apparel back then, and those gloves were an example. It was nice having Elizabeth and Darcy meet over them. This was a sweet story. I also enjoyed Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley. Keep up the good work, Kelly!
Meryton Press
It was a neat and creative way to have them meet. Aww, the apparel was lovely back then! Thanks, for stopping by Suzan.
Kelly Miller
Thank you, Suzan! I appreciate your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed Darcy’s shopping experience!
Rose Drew
Great little glimpse at a first meeting! That would chance the direction of the Meryton Assembly
Meryton Press
Yes, it would/could change everything.
Kelly Miller
Hello Rose Drew,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree the Meryton Assembly could be completely altered.
Melanie Rachel
More please! Yes, more! This was just lovely–a chance moment in time.
Meryton Press
Wasn’t it lovely, Melanie. Knowing the rest of the “real” story of P&P makes it all the more poignant!
Kelly Miller
Hey Melanie,
Thank you! I’m pleased you liked this chance meeting. 🙂
Elaine
Aww, how sweet! I definitely would love to see a few more scenes and, perhaps, a very different Hunsford than we know. 🙂
Meryton Press
That’s a good thought, Elaine! Thanks for sharing it.
Kelly Miller
Hello Elaine,
I appreciate your comment! I am happy to hear this vignette left you wanting more!
Jan Hahn
I enjoyed this different, more pleasant meeting between Darcy and Elizabeth. Makes me hope he accidentally finds her again on one of her walks around Ramsgate. There’s nothing like falling in love on the beach. Good job, Kelly!
Meryton Press
That’s a good thought, Jan. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Kelly Miller
Hi Jan,
Thank you so much! It seems likely that Darcy would keep an eye out for her light and pleasing figure, so who knows?
Daniela Quadros
That was a very sweet vignette. I would love to see it continue, with Darcy meeting Elizabeth again in Hertfordshire. 🙂
Meryton Press
Wouldn’t that be a nice way to see it continue. We can hope! Thanks for stopping by.
Kelly Miller
Thank you, Daniela! That is very encouraging!
Belen
Lovely vignette Kelly! It’s refreshing to read a D&E meeting where he doesn’t insult her. I’d love to read more about them.
Meryton Press
It is refreshing. Thanks for commenting, Belen.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Belen. I appreciate the encouraging words!
Rachy
A lovely snippet. I’m so glad I found it, and am intrigued to know what next. Thank you, Kelly.
Meryton Press
We are so glad you found it too. It does make you wonder what would happen next, doesn’t it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kelly Miller
Thank you, Rachy! I am glad you found it too, and very pleased you enjoyed it!
Gwen Girten
Lovely story! I agree that it should continue! I’d love to read more
Meryton Press
Aww, one more vote to continue the story! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Kelly Miller
Hello Gwen,
Thank you for your comment! It is wonderful and inspiring to hear you would like to see more. 🙂
Davida
How horrible to only be allowed to speak to someone if you have only been formally introduced
So glad Miss Bennet does not always follow those pesky rules
Lovely post. Wish there was more
Thanks!
Meryton Press
Some things were definitely different, weren’t they. We are glad you stopped by, Davida.
Kelly Miller
Hi Davida, I suspect that Darcy had been grateful for that particular rule up until that encounter. 🙂 Thank you so much!
Donna Krug
This is a charming meeting. Elizabeth never said her first name and could be mistaken for Jane as Miss Bennet. I live friendly run-ins.
Meryton Press
Friendly and unexpected run-ins are charming! Thanks, for stopping by, Donna.
Kelly Miller
Hello Donna,
I am glad you enjoyed this unexpected meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth! Thank you for leaving a comment!
Patty Edmisson
I would like to read more. They could meet on the beach when she takes her early morning walk.
Meryton Press
That is a nice idea, Patty! The beach would be a lovely place to meet!
kmiller
Hi Patty, I agree it is a great suggestion! I can easily imagine the thought crossing Darcy’s mind as well. 🙂 I appreciate your comment!
Sheila L. Majczan
I, too, would love to read more of this…pretty please. That brought a smile to my face. I was already imaging how the assembly would turn out different when he enters and then sees her and calls up his memory of this afternoon in Ramsgate. Thank you for sharing.
Meryton Press
It does bring to mind another outcome for the assembly doesn’t it. It was nice to read it brought a smile to your face. Thanks, Sheila.
kmiller
Hello Sheila, thank you so much for your enthusiastic comment! It is wonderful that this little vignette was so well received. I appreciate the encouragement very much. 🙂
Lúthien84
I like this entertaining vignette with Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in Ramsgate. Perhaps Kelly can expand it into a full-length novel if she can come up with the plot. Please make this your new writing project, Kelly. Then we’ll get to know what Elizabeth thinks about this beautiful encounter.
kmiller
Hi Luthien, I am so glad you enjoyed it! This opinion seems a popular one, and it might make a good starting point at that. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Meryton Press
The general consensus if for Kelly to make this a full-length novel. Maybe she will decide to do it!