Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Mr. Gardiner sighed, and walking to Elizabeth, laid a hand on her shoulder, “You know that your father thinks of you as his favourite child, do you not?” She nodded. “And, living there, you know how unhappy your parents’ marriage is?” She nodded again, sadly. “I am only surmising this, but I think that your father is afraid of losing you to marriage and that he would behave this way to any man who you accepted.”

  “He would wish me to remain unmarried and at home?” She demanded.

  “Perhaps not married so soon, and then to someone close to home.”

  “I cannot believe this! That would be so . . .” She searched for the words, “selfish!”

  “Yes Lizzy.” He sat next to her and took her hand. “I will not stand in the way of your courtship, and you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish. Mr. Darcy is an exceptional young man, and you should not let your father’s insecurity and unhappiness end this dream of yours.”

  “I hardly know what to think.” Coming to a decision, she drew herself up. “Thank you for your kindness, Uncle. I will stay here. I will continue my courtship with Mr. Darcy, and we will see where it leads. I will do what I feel will constitute my own happiness, without reference to my father.”

  “Good for you Lizzy, and remember, on April 4th, you will be of age, and you will legally be able to make your own decisions.”

  She smiled. “I think that is something I should mention to Mr. Darcy!”

  BINGLEY BURST into Darcy’s study shouting with excitement. “Darcy!”

  “Good morning, Bingley,” Darcy grinned at his friend and leaned back in his chair. “What brings you here this fine day, as if I did not know?”

  “She is an angel, Darcy! Did you not see her?”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “Miss Bennet! Miss Jane Bennet! Oh, Darcy, she is everything lovely!”

  Darcy chuckled, “Are you in love again, Bingley?”

  “Yes, and for the last time. She is the one. I know it!”

  Darcy shook his head. “I have heard this all before Bingley.” Then regarding him very seriously, “I will not have you trifling with Miss Elizabeth’s sister.”

  Bingley had been sitting, smiling off into space, with a vision of Jane Bennet in his mind. Darcy’s last words snapped him out of his reverie. “Is there something you need to tell me Darcy?”

  “Only that I am courting Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Bingley stared at him. “I have every intention of winning her heart and marrying her. This means that someday, hopefully soon, Miss Jane Bennet will be my sister. I know you Charles. If you are truly serious about Miss Bennet, I will support you. All that I ask is for you to take this very slowly. Do not declare yourself or give any indication of your intentions until you are absolutely sure of both your and her feelings.”

  Bingley regarded him steadily. “I know that I have behaved impulsively in the past, but I think that I am ready to enter into a serious courtship. I spent last night almost exclusively talking to Miss Bennet, and she has met my vision of the woman I would someday marry.”

  “All I ask is that you take it slowly, Charles.”

  Bingley started, “How long have YOU known Miss Elizabeth, Darcy?”

  Darcy smiled. “One week, today.”

  “And you have the audacity to tell ME to take things slowly!”

  “Touché, Bingley, but you can hardly compare my amorous affairs with yours.”

  Bingley smiled. “Touché, Darcy.”

  “So you will take it slowly?”

  “I will.”

  “I am happy to hear it.”

  Leaning forward, Bingley grinned. “When will you next call at the Gardiner home?”

  “MY DEAR MISS DARCY it has been far too long since we have seen you! My, how you have grown!” Caroline Bingley smiled her most simpering smile to Georgiana, winked at Louisa, and sipped her tea.

  “Thank you, Miss Bingley. I do not believe that I have grown at all since I last saw you.” Georgiana was careful not to mention that she was happy to see her, because she was not. She knew that Caroline Bingley was there to catch a glimpse of her brother, who had no desire to catch a glimpse of her. Georgiana looked nervously at her companion, Mrs. Annesley.

  “We saw Mr. Darcy at the theatre last week, but did not see you there. I was surprised that he did not bring you along for a musical performance. You are so accomplished at the pianoforte that I would think he would be sure to invite you.”

  “I was invited to attend, Miss Bingley, but decided to stay home that evening. I felt a headache coming on. My brother said that he and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had a very enjoyable time.” She hoped that ended the inquiry, but of course, it did not.

  “Yes, I saw that your brother was smiling a good deal during the intermission. I do wonder what could have brought him such happiness? I meant to ask him after the performance, but he dashed away before we could catch up.”

  I am not surprised. Georgiana thought. “I am sorry Miss Bingley, but since I was not there, I cannot begin to speculate about my brother’s behaviour.”

  “Of course not.” Caroline hid her frustration. “Is he at home today? I would be happy to greet him now, since we missed each other before?”

  “I am sorry, Miss Bingley, but I believe that he and Mr. Bingley left some time ago.”

  “My brother was here? And they left together? Do you know where they went?” Caroline glanced at Louisa, who shrugged her shoulders.

  “I know that they were to pay a call on some friends.”

  “Charles did not mention that he was paying calls today. I wonder who they went to visit.”

  “I am sorry; Miss Bingley, but I cannot help you.” Georgiana smiled to herself. That was truthful enough!

  Caroline and Louisa soon departed, but they both found the idea of Charles and Mr. Darcy paying a social call together very odd. They planned to speak to Charles that evening.

  “LIZZY, I have received some letters from my friends in Derbyshire. I think that you should read them.” Mrs. Gardiner walked into the sitting room where Elizabeth had been quietly discussing Mr. Bennet’s behaviour with Jane.

  “You wish me to read your friends’ letters, Aunt?”

  “Last week after we met Mr. Darcy, I wrote to my friends in Lambton, and asked after Mr. Darcy’s reputation. I knew that they would not personally know him, but an estate the size of Pemberley touches many lives, and the character of its owner is reflected in the comfort of his tenants. Since we really knew very little of him when he first asked to call on you, I thought that this would be a good way to get to know a little about him from neutral parties.”

  Elizabeth looked at her aunt in amusement. “That was rather creative of you, Aunt.”

  “Yes, it was.” She said with a little satisfied grin. “Would you like to see them now?”

  “Of course!” Elizabeth took the small stack of letters. “Help me Jane, if you read some, we can learn of his character so much faster!”

  “Lizzy, this is wrong! I feel like a spy!” Jane fretted.

  “Oh, and you are not curious, either!” Elizabeth accused.

  “Oh, give me the letters!” Jane grabbed them out of her hand.

  The girls settled down to read and soon they shared the results. As Aunt Gardiner said, none of the writers personally knew the Darcy family. Occasionally Mr. Darcy was seen in town, but never Miss Darcy. His reputation was that of a very good employer to his servants, who were well-compensated. His tenant’s homes were repaired when necessary, and he was always first to help those families that had suffered some sort of tragedy, whether fire, illness, or death. He provided food baskets and medicine if a family was struggling. He was considered very stern, but fair when resolving disputes, and did not tolerate tenants ignoring his orders. He was seen as proud, but in a way that was acceptable. Pride in his family and his estate was understandable. The history of how he paid merchants for the debts left by George Wickham was well-known. All in all, he was regard
ed as a man to respect.

  Elizabeth was very gratified to read of the high esteem that Mr. Darcy’s Derbyshire neighbours held him. It confirmed her own intuition over the goodness of the man who had singled her out. As she and Jane exchanged letters, her justification for agreeing to her courtship became stronger, and her anger with her father’s false accusations grew.

  “MR. DARCY and Mr. Bingley,” announced the maid.

  The gentlemen entered the room and bowed, and the ladies dropped the necessary curtsies.

  “Ladies, I know that we did not make any arrangements for a visit today, but we thought that we would take a chance and see if you would be home. I hope that we are not interrupting anything?” Darcy focussed on Elizabeth’s smile.

  “No, you are not interrupting at all, gentlemen. We were just enjoying some correspondence that I recently received from my friends in Lambton.” Mrs. Gardiner winked at the girls.

  “Ah, and I hope that all is well in Derbyshire? I imagine that the snow is quite heavy there right now.” Darcy still had not torn his eyes from Elizabeth.

  Amused with his distraction, she smiled to herself. “From what my friends have said, the winter is unusually mild this year.”

  “That is good news to all of Pemberley.” Still fixed on Elizabeth, he delighted in her growing blush.

  Shaking her head, Mrs. Gardiner suggested that the four young people take advantage of the sunny day and walk in the park. They all gladly agreed, and donning their outerwear, set off. Darcy confidently took Elizabeth’s arm and they set off at a brisk pace, leaving Bingley and Jane to their own devices.

  “Mr. Darcy, may I enquire after Georgiana? She seemed to be in good spirits last night. I tried to convince her to play, but she would not be moved.”

  “She is well, Miss Elizabeth, I will tell her that you asked after her. In fact, she wanted me to arrange another visit with you. Are you available to call on her Wednesday?” He looked at her hopefully.

  “As a matter of fact, we were invited to tea with Lady Matlock on Wednesday.”

  “You were?” He asked, surprised.

  “Indeed. She made it clear that she wished to know me better.”

  “I am very pleased to hear of this. I always hoped that I would receive my family’s support when I finally decided to enter a courtship, but to have it displayed so easily is a great and wonderful surprise.” Darcy was truly amazed. He was sure that her lack of connection and fortune would have been a problem with his family, despite what his uncle told him. It was so ingrained what it meant for him to do his duty by his name that he still expected a great fight to have Elizabeth accepted, even after they received her so well at dinner.

  “Did you think that they would oppose you?”

  “I frankly did not know.” Seeing her concern, he smiled. “You must realize, I have never brought a lady home to meet the family before, and I did not know what to expect. Acceptance is unexpected. They must have truly enjoyed your company, which I admit is gratifying to my confidence in my discernment.” His smile grew wider, exposing the devastating dimples.

  “You sir, are entirely too self-assured!” She lightly slapped his arm. He laughed but his smile was erased as she spoke quietly, “I wish that my father was as accepting of you.”

  “He was very adamant last night. He seemed to feel that I was going to hurt you and walk away. He did not think that I would lower myself to someone of your station. His arguments were weak and ridiculous. When I did not respond to them, he suggested that you had a mercenary motive for accepting my attentions.”

  Elizabeth was appalled. “He said those things to you?”

  “Yes, amongst others, but that was the general idea. After thinking over the conversation last night, I could not decide if he wished to prevent you from marrying anyone at all to keep you at home, or if he was jealous that you were being courted for reasons of affection.” He fixed his intense stare on her.

  She disregarded the rest of his statement for the moment. “Affection?”

  “Yes, Miss Elizabeth, a very steadily growing affection.”

  “Thank you for telling me that, Mr. Darcy. It is good to know that my opinion is shared.” She had looked down, but now peeked up at him quickly. He drew in a sharp breath, and raised her hand to his lips, kissing it. They walked silently, both suddenly warmer.

  Just then, they came around the circle of the path and met Jane and Mr. Bingley. “Darcy, Miss Bennet and I had a wonderful idea! Let us attend the theatre on Friday! I think that a new production is opening. Do you still own a box?” His enthusiasm was boundless, his grin was huge, and Darcy noted that Miss Bennet did not seem at all opposed to the idea.

  Darcy looked at Elizabeth, who was staring at her sister with expressive eyes and glancing at Mr. Bingley with a smile. He knew that he would love to attend the theatre and sit in a darkened box next to Elizabeth for hours. “What an excellent idea, Bingley! Do you agree, Miss Elizabeth?” She nodded at him happily. “Perhaps we should invite the Gardiners, as well?”

  “I am sure that they would be pleased, sir.” Elizabeth nodded.

  “Then it is set! To the theatre we will go!” Bingley took Jane’s arm in his and merrily led the way back to the Gardiner home.

  “Poor Jane, I think that your friend overwhelms her!” Seeing Darcy’s look of concern, she added. “She was quite impressed with him last night. She thought he was just what a young man ought to be.”

  “You mean a fool?” He said, sharing her smile.

  “We are all fools in love, Mr. Darcy.”

  Chapter 8

  Almost the moment that the gentlemen took their leave, Mrs. Gardiner ordered the carriage and insisted that Elizabeth and Jane visit her modiste to purchase new gowns for the night at the theatre. Both sisters protested that the purchase was unnecessary, but Mrs. Gardiner knew better. The girls, especially Elizabeth, would be under very close scrutiny that night. They were unknown women, being escorted by well known rich men who had been the subject of matchmaking mothers’ machinations throughout London for years. It was important that they look very well indeed.

  The modiste promised that she would have the gowns ready by Friday morning, with a fitting on Thursday afternoon. While Jane looked at the dress patterns, Elizabeth chose her fabric, and thought ruefully to herself that she should take her own advice and choose something that would compliment a blushing face.

  RICHARD ENTERED his father’s study with the air of a man expecting an inquisition. The message that he received upon returning home from his post was to present himself as soon as possible.

  “So what inspired this invitation?” Richard asked as he walked over to the sideboard to pour himself a brandy. He held up the carafe to Lord Matlock, questioning him silently, and seeing his nod, filled a glass for him as well.

  “Please close the door, Richard, and take a seat.” Lord Matlock watched as his son settled into the leather armchair opposite his desk and began. “I imagine that you know the subject of our interview?”

  “Could it perhaps have something to do with my cousin?” He asked, smirking.

  “It does.” Lord Matlock looked down at his steepled fingers. “We were quite taken by surprise last night, Richard. Your mother and I had no idea that we were coming to dinner to meet a possible wife for Darcy, let alone her family. Did you have any prior knowledge of this?”

  Richard could not tell if his father was angry. “I knew that they were invited, yes. I also knew that Darcy felt himself instantly smitten with Miss Elizabeth when we first saw her last week. He has stated that he intends to win her. I did not know that he was going to propose a courtship to her father last night. He asked me to keep his confidence. He did not want you or mother to form any opinions before meeting her yourselves.”

  “By our appearing in his home with the Bennets and Gardiners, we give implied consent to the match. If your mother and I were not so impressed with Miss Elizabeth, we would be very unhappy to have been so deceived.” Lord Mat
lock looked very sternly at his son.

  “But you did like her?” Richard focused on the positive.

  Lord Matlock sighed. “Yes, we did. Very much. She is quite an engaging young woman. Beautiful, lively, good mind, and from her interaction with Georgiana, I would say very good-hearted.” He thought some more. “It was extraordinary to see Darcy smile and laugh, and to see Georgiana drawn out from that burden of shyness she carries.”

  Richard nodded. “I can attest to it all beginning the night that Darcy met Miss Elizabeth and chased her down outside the theatre to learn her name.”

  Lord Matlock raised his brows. “Really? Richard I would appreciate it if you could tell me all that you know of the situation, including Mr. Bennet’s odd behaviour.”

  Richard proceeded to tell his father the events of the last week, ending with the discussion he had with Darcy that night. Lord Matlock was even more impressed with his nephew’s behaviour, his niece’s response, and the fascinating creature that was Elizabeth. Her father bothered him, though.

  “He actually fought the attachment? The idiocy of the man! To have one of the richest young men in England offer to court your daughter and to accuse him of God knows what just to keep her to yourself is the greatest lunacy I have ever heard! He has next to nothing to offer her and he disparages Darcy!”

  “Darcy is undecided if he is selfish or jealous.”

  “Or fit for Bedlam!”

  The men shook their heads and laughed. “If anything, Darcy expected the objection to the attachment to come from our family.” Richard looked at his father intently.

  Lord Matlock smiled. “He has good reason for that. As the head of the Fitzwilliam family, I am naturally concerned with maintaining the fortune of the estate, including the connections made upon marriages. A potential wife for you, your brother, and Darcy should have something to offer besides just herself, otherwise it would be a degradation, and she would be rejected by society. At least that is how I used to see it.” Richard sat up, very interested. “Your brother is well married, so it does not affect him anymore. You need to marry with fortune in mind since you will not be inheriting the estate or title, although you should know that I do have something set aside for you if you ever do marry.” Richard tilted his head at his father, and raised his brows. “We will discuss that another time, Son. We are concerned with Darcy now. But for him, when he came of age, I had the same expectations, until I spoke to his father. His father learned that he was dying, and he charged me with the task of looking after Darcy’s self-interest when it came time to choose his wife. His attitude towards marriage as a duty to honour the Darcy name had changed significantly. He wanted him to marry for affection. He did not care if the girl had a fortune or title or any of the rest of it. He wanted more than anything to see his son love and be loved equally. He wanted happiness for him, because he knew what his son had suffered after the loss of his mother, and what Darcy would be taking on upon his death. He wanted Darcy to have the marriage that he experienced with my sister, Anne.”