Mr. Justin Fellowes cleared his throat. “For my sister.”

“Indeed. The ladies enjoy these novels by Miss Austen.” The clerk sniffed. “I cannot understand why. All that talk about love and marriage.” He added the novel’s three volumes to Justin’s other selection. “I daresay, there is no accounting for taste.” Paper crackled as he wrapped the books.

Justin cracked a smile. “As you say.” How surprised would you be, my man, if you knew I am the one who reads “Pride and Prejudice”.

Justin’s liking for novels was his dark little secret. Many men, including Mr. Collins in the novel, loudly ridiculed the books. They were widely regarded as rubbish although, in all the libraries and book shops Justin had visited, the collection of novels was the largest one there, and probably also the most lucrative.

Pride and Prejudice was his favorite novel. He loved the wit and intelligence in the book. But most of all, he loved Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Justin’s heart warmed. Lively, intelligent, fiercely loyal, she was sometimes wrong, but willing to change her mind when more information appeared. And beautiful. Although the book never described her, such a lady must be beautiful. A veritable goddess.