Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “Absolutely, Mr. Darcy. Sometimes speaking to another woman, one nearer her age, helps. If the opportunity does not arise tomorrow at tea, you know that all she has to do is ask, and I will gladly pay her a private call in your home.”

  “Thank you Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to have your support.”

  “I am glad to give it, sir.”

  The two continued to walk slowly around the park, finally turning the conversation to less serious subjects, like books and plays, comparing their favourite composers, and rapidly finding that they shared similar, but not completely complimentary views.

  “Perhaps you could play for us tomorrow, or after dinner on Sunday, Miss Bennet. I would very much enjoy hearing you.”

  “Do you think that we could convince your sister to play?”

  “I doubt it. She still will only play for me or select family members. She is not at all confident, but she is very good.”

  “Well, I am not very good, but far too confident. Perhaps between the two of us, we might both do well!”

  Laughing again, and feeling better than he had in a very long time, they returned to the Gardiner home. Upon arriving they found that Mr. Bennet’s express had arrived, and Darcy instantly extended the Sunday dinner invitation to include Elizabeth’s father and sister.

  Elizabeth accompanied him to the door to watch him take his leave. He bowed, and taking her hand he softly kissed it. Looking into her eyes, he whispered, “Until tomorrow, Miss Bennet.”

  Chapter 5

  Elizabeth spent Friday morning with her young cousins walking in the park. The children loved Elizabeth. She was willing to join in their activities and was not afraid to get dirty. When they started a chasing game, she took a seat on a bench with their governess, and quietly contemplated the gentleman who had taken over her every thought. Her aunt asked her the night before how she felt about Mr. Darcy, and she had no ready answer.

  He was certainly handsome, that she had noticed immediately. His dark brown eyes made her knees weak. His soft deep voice sent shivers up her spine. When he tried to comfort her and impulsively pulled her into his embrace she felt . . . well she did not know what it was, but she knew that it ended far too soon, and somehow, she sensed that no one else could ever recreate the sensation.

  She had slowly begun to gain a sense of the responsibility that he carried on his shoulders. Her aunt’s description of Pemberley helped her to realize that a great many people depended on him. Neither of them had opened up about their families yet. Although she was nervous, she was looking forward to meeting his sister.

  They certainly shared a great love for reading and she enjoyed the debate on poetry they held the day before. She laughed remembering his argument that poetry was the “food of love” and her assertion that it would advance a strong relationship, but a poorly written sonnet would surely kill an inclination quickly. He was correct when he discerned that she liked to profess opinions that were not her own. That was a habit that she had learned from her father. It made her think that the practice was dishonest, and she should try to catch herself before repeating the behaviour.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy was certainly a puzzle. She now knew for certain that she wanted to have the chance to understand him, no matter how long it took. Maybe even a lifetime? She could hardly believe she allowed the thought. But why, she kept asking herself, Why me? Why?

  While Elizabeth contemplated Darcy, he was sending his housekeeper to Bedlam. He was always fastidious, but made his requirements for a well-run household with a firm but reasonable attitude. Today, Mrs. Harris was sincerely wondering if his cousin had slipped something odd into his brandy the night before. Whoever the two ladies were who were coming to visit that afternoon must be very important because he left no subject untouched in his demands for absolute perfection. He was obviously reacting out of nervousness, but his behaviour was setting everyone, including Miss Darcy, on edge.

  Darcy arrived at the Gardiner home in a state of extreme tension. He so hoped that Elizabeth and Georgiana would like each other and could not wait to observe them together. He had been dreaming of Elizabeth every night and thinking of her during every unoccupied moment of the day since they met. His dreams had begun to drift into thoughts of making his life with her.

  Darcy exited the carriage to again see Elizabeth in the window, wearing a look of delighted surprise. She did not seem to have expected him to personally escort them to his home. After the parties performed the necessary courtesies, Darcy helped them into the magnificent carriage. He smiled inwardly at the ladies’ attempt to conceal their reaction to the plush interior.

  “I do not believe you mentioned where your home is, Mr. Darcy, is it very far?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Not too far, it is located in Mayfair, in Park Lane, across from Hyde Park. My great grandfather built it many years ago.”

  “Oh how wonderful to have access to such a grand park!”

  “Have you had the opportunity to visit it yet, Miss Bennet? I remember you mentioning a hope to walk there on the night that we met.”

  “No, I am afraid that I have been spending time in only one particular park this week.” She gave him an impish smile.

  “Well perhaps after you and my sister become acquainted, you could pay her a call, and we could both show you its beauty.” He suggested hopefully.

  Elizabeth looked to Mrs. Gardiner, and seeing her smile and nod, she smiled widely. “I look forward to it, Mr. Darcy.”

  Darcy allowed his mouth to curve up while inside he was rejoicing. He had found a new way to spend time with her, and help further her anticipated friendship with Georgiana.

  The carriage stopped in front of Darcy House, and Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner could not disguise their pleasure. The home was amongst the largest on the very fashionable street, constructed of gray stone, four stories high with rows of arched windows. A footman held the door open and Darcy, after personally handing them out, offered his arms to each lady and brought them into the house.

  Their outerwear was removed quickly by the waiting servants. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were introduced to Mrs. Harris, and Mr. Franklin, the butler. Elizabeth could not help but notice the close scrutiny both servants were giving them, and wondered wryly to herself just what Mr. Darcy had demanded from them in preparation for the visit.

  He led them upstairs to the drawing room, enjoying the ladies’ exclamation of pleasure with what they saw. “This is beautiful, Mr. Darcy. It is furnished tastefully with very excellent quality, but without the gaudiness that is so often seen,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  “I agree Aunt, the impression I had when I entered was that this was not a house, but a home. It certainly reflects the character of the owner, instead of the advice of a decorator. It is most pleasant.”

  Darcy’s chest was swelling with pride. “I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. I have always wanted the place where I live to be comfortable, and I am thrilled that you sense the warmth of this being a home. I have been told many times by visiting ladies that the house was lovely, but needed just a few touches. Gilt and gaudy decorations would make me think of a gambling house, not a home.”

  The three of them entered the drawing room laughing. Georgiana stood, surprised at the uncharacteristic behaviour of her brother. Smiling his encouragement, Darcy took her hand and led her to Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner. “Georgiana, may I present Mrs. Edward Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Ladies, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

  The ladies curtseyed, and Elizabeth and Aunt Gardiner strained to hear Georgiana whisper, “I am so very pleased to meet you.” She did not lift her eyes above her toes.

  Elizabeth said with a smile, “Miss Darcy, we are delighted to make your acquaintance. Your brother has been most vocal in singing the praises of your accomplishments, and I admit a burning curiosity to meet such a talented young lady.”

  “My brother is most kind.” She whispered again.

  “Will you ple
ase be seated,” invited Darcy. Elizabeth noted that he took a chair next to his sister, and decided to boldly sit next to her on the sofa she occupied. Mrs. Gardiner sat across from them.

  Leaning in conspiratorially, Elizabeth said to Georgiana, “Miss Darcy, your brother has shared a very great secret of yours with me.”

  Georgiana lifted her head and stared into Elizabeth’s dancing eyes, not seeing her smile. “He tells me that you are excessively fond of Mrs. Radcliffe’s novels and has caught you hiding them under pillows when he enters a room unexpectedly.”

  Incredulous, she turned to Darcy. “William! How could you say such a thing!”

  Darcy, at first surprised at Elizabeth telling his confidence, immediately saw how effective it was in jolting Georgiana out of her shyness. He smiled widely, “Did I not speak the truth?”

  “Well, yes, but that was not the point!”

  Elizabeth touched her hand, and caught her eye. “Please forgive your brother Miss Darcy. We were discussing our mutual taste in literature, and when I admitted to my fondness for the occasional romantic novel, he could not resist telling his story of you.”

  She turned to glare at her brother. “It is well, Miss Bennet. My brother seems to have forgotten that I am full of such tales of him!”

  Darcy, although thrilled to hear his sister speak, began to feel a little uncomfortable. “Now Georgie, I am sure that Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner are not the slightest bit interested in my indiscretions. They are far too proper to ask about them.”

  The three ladies exchanged smug expressions, and finally Elizabeth teased him, “Why Mr. Darcy, surely you know that a lady is always interested in hearing stories of the gentleman’s exploits. The information can be used to such advantage in the future.” Noting his wide-eyed look of surprise Elizabeth decided to relax him. “But of course, I doubt that you ever have done anything that might prove useful to a lady’s wiles, Mr. Darcy. You are everything proper.”

  “I am relieved to hear you say that Miss Bennet.”

  Nodding to him, Elizabeth returned her attention to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, I understand that you have a great love of music. Do you play and sing? And which composer do you prefer?”

  After the unexpected frivolity of discomposing her brother, Elizabeth had managed to calm Georgiana’s nerves. She was able to converse very well on the subject of music, imploring Elizabeth to play for her. Darcy explained that he had already requested that she play on Sunday and Georgiana was thrilled. Mrs. Gardiner introduced the topic of Derbyshire, and Georgiana was very happy to discuss her home. Darcy had not seen her so animated in months, and he knew that it was due to Elizabeth. They finished their tea, and Elizabeth made certain to compliment it within the hearing of the housekeeper. Georgiana asked that she and Elizabeth address each other by their Christian names.

  “Elizabeth, I know that his might seem a little soon to ask, but I have enjoyed your company so much today. I was wondering; if my brother approves, could you please come and visit me again tomorrow?” She looked hopefully between the two of them, flushed with the exertion of making an invitation.

  “I think that is a wonderful idea!” Darcy turned to look hopefully at Elizabeth, “What do you think Miss Bennet? Are you available? I will gladly provide transportation.”

  Returning Darcy’s steady gaze, she smiled and looked to Georgiana, “My sister and father will be arriving after one o’clock tomorrow, but I would very much like to spend the morning with you.”

  She clapped her hands. “Oh yes, Elizabeth that will be wonderful. Could I have the carriage pick you up at ten o’clock? I promise to return you in time to meet your family.” Elizabeth smiled and nodded.

  “Excellent, then it is settled.” Darcy declared.

  They soon rose to take leave of each other, and while Georgiana was speaking to Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy pulled Elizabeth aside. He took her hands in his. “Thank you so much for everything you have done today. My sister has not been so alive in years, let alone since Ramsgate. I am delighted that you will be visiting tomorrow. I cannot wait to see you here again.” Then raising her hand to his lips, he kissed it, and noted her blush. “You are bewitching both of the Darcys Miss Bennet, and we are grateful.”

  Elizabeth was flustered by the warmth that spread up her hand and arm from the touch of his lips, and finally managed to say a coherent sentence. “I am honoured by your opinion sir, but I do believe that both you and your sister are hardly under the power of bewitchment, you both are too intelligent for that. I think that you are both simply in dire need of some teasing, and that I am happy to provide.”

  “Miss Bennet, you may choose to hide behind a delightful mask of impertinence, but I am growing increasingly aware of the very kind, thoughtful, and exceptionally intelligent and beautiful woman that you are. I am grateful that you have become a very welcome part of my life.” Elizabeth had no chance to respond other than to momentarily lose herself in the deep dark warmth of his gaze. She could drown in there. Before she knew it, they were in the carriage, and on their way home.

  CHARLES BINGLEY sealed the letter to his housekeeper at Netherfield and sat back, contemplating the study of his home. Leased home, he thought. Everything in my life is leased. He was looking forward to finally moving into the Netherfield estate, and beginning his tentative steps to becoming one of the landed gentry, fulfilling his father’s dreams. He knew that it would be years, probably not until his grandchildren were grown, that the Bingley name would be considered anything other than “new money”, but he thought reasonably, it had to start somewhere. He had considered purchasing the London townhouse, but that would have left less money for the estate he hoped to someday buy.

  Looking again at the room, he noted the fine interior. It was a large home, Not as big as Darcy’s, but then, nothing seemed to be as big as he, including me! He laughed, thinking of his friend’s towering height. His musings were interrupted by the distinct cackling of his sisters from the drawing room down the hall. He sighed. His sister Caroline’s single-minded and unwelcome pursuit of Darcy was a problem. He knew that his friend put up with his sister’s company for his sake alone, but Darcy was becoming increasingly vocal in his distaste for her behaviour.

  Charles wondered about Darcy’s own behaviour over the past months. Something had changed. He had always been impatient in company that he found distasteful, often hiding away silently in a corner or at a least speaking very rarely. Lately he had noticed a greater effort to at least try to participate in conversations, although at the same time, he seemed increasingly disgusted with higher society in general. Bingley knew that he found the matrimonial pursuits of the ladies distasteful. He had also noticed the extraordinary change in Georgiana. She had become more withdrawn. He could not help but wonder if the changes were connected. Both of them seemed to want to stay home more often than not, however, and it was with great happiness that he observed his friend’s improved spirits Friday morning. He wondered what had sparked his happy demeanour, and looked forward to Sunday’s dinner.

  Charles got up and walked to the drawing room to greet his sisters. “Caroline, I thought you would like to know, I have written to the housekeeper at Netherfield, and have asked that the house be prepared for occupancy at the end of March. I realize that it will be in the true beginning of the Season, and you do not have to accompany me at that time if you do not wish.”

  “Thank you for taking the Season into consideration, I really would hate to leave London so soon. Perhaps if you think that you can spare me, I will wait to join you. Would that be agreeable? You were not planning to entertain, and would not need a hostess right away.”

  “No, I do not expect to be entertaining. I just want to observe the planting, and of course gain Darcy’s thoughts on the estate and if I should consider it for purchase.”

  Caroline and Louisa exchanged glances. “Oh, I did not realize Mr. Darcy would be accompanying you. In that case, you will need me sooner. I will gladly forgo the rest of the Sea
son to see to your comfort.”

  “That will not be necessary, Caroline. I have no wish to have you suspend your pleasure prematurely. Besides, Darcy will not be coming with me right away. He has continuing obligations here in town, and then must visit his aunt in Kent for Easter. I do not expect him to join me until late April. Then of course he will be returning to Pemberley to look after his own spring planting. At least that is one responsibility that I do not have to take on. Since I am only leasing, Netherfield’s owner is still in charge of the true obligations of the estate.”

  “So you do not know exactly when Mr. Darcy will come?” She asked, disappointed at the lost opportunity to be in a secluded atmosphere with her quarry.

  “No, I do not.” Charles was not quite telling the truth, but he clearly saw the mercenary glint in his sister’s eye and had no desire to further her machinations for his friend.

  “I wonder what made him run away so quickly on Monday. Have you called on him since we saw him at the theatre?”

  “Yes, I saw him yesterday morning, and he was in good spirits. I did not see Miss Darcy, but he told me that she was well.”

  “Oh, yes, we must pay a call on Miss Darcy, Louisa!” Louisa nodded, and she continued her effusions, “Yes, it has been far too long since we saw the dear girl.” And perhaps we can speak to Mr. Darcy as well.

  “I understand that they are busy today, and I know that they are entertaining family on Sunday for dinner, so I would not bother to stop by until Monday at least, Caroline.” He was well-pleased with his subterfuge, and knew that Darcy would appreciate the delay in their call. “Speaking of Sunday, I will be dining out, so do not include me in your dinner plans.”

  “Where will you be, Charles?”

  “I have been invited to meet some new acquaintances at a small dinner in a friend’s home.” He gave his beguiling smile, and left before she could press him for more details.

  “Do you think that he is trying to keep me away from Mr. Darcy?” Caroline asked petulantly.