Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “Bingley does have a propensity to fall in and out of love easily, but it is not him growing bored so much as the discovery that the ladies are only interested in his fortune that is the problem, as well as his exceptionally open and friendly nature that seems to attract ladies in the first place.” He took a sip of his drink. “Neither of the Bennet ladies are fortune hunters.” He stared directly at Mr. Carrington. “I have great experience in spotting them, and I can assure you of that. They are both kind and wonderful women. My friend has told me that he intends to marry Miss Bennet, but has not declared himself to her in any way. His feelings for her are so strong that he has promised me that he will, for once, take the situation slowly, and be absolutely sure before he speaks to her.”

  “That could be a problem, no matter how good the news is for us ultimately. Alex may see his hesitation to declare himself as an opportunity to approach her.”

  “He did ask her for permission to call.” Darcy mused, looking into his glass and thinking. Mr. Carrington grew alarmed. Noting his reaction Darcy explained, “She had no reason to refuse him; she has no attachment to Bingley.”

  “There must be something we can do without revealing the truth to Mr. Bingley.” Mr. Carrington said urgently.

  “Perhaps if I speak to him, to encourage him to further his suit with her it will move things along. If I mention Alex’s interest it might move him to action. He did make note of Alex’s attention and her response to it with some degree of jealousy at the ball.”

  “If you could do that, I would appreciate it, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Carrington seemed relieved. “Mr. Darcy, you said that you have entered a courtship with Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy nodded. “Then you have met Mr. Bennet?”

  “Yes, I have. I can say that it was not a pleasant experience.” Seeing Mr. Carrington’s concern he continued, “Mr. Bennet is possibly the only father in England who would not welcome me as a potential suitor for his daughter’s hand. He made it quite clear that I was not acceptable, and accused me of a great number of ridiculous ideas for seeking out Miss Elizabeth’s favour. In the end he agreed to the courtship, but it was only after an argument. I sincerely doubt that he will give his consent to marriage. Fortunately, Miss Elizabeth will soon be of age, and that will not be necessary.” Darcy glared at an imagined memory of Mr. Bennet striding around his library.

  Mr. Carrington studied Darcy’s darkened countenance in disbelief. “Why on earth would he reject you? I have heard the rumours of your income, sir, and I know enough of Pemberley and your reputation to assume that they are grossly underestimated. You are well-known as a good and honourable man; to what could he possibly object?”

  “I have decided that Mr. Bennet is very selfish, and sees Miss Elizabeth as his companion, and would not wish to let her go to any man. He is also, I think, jealous of the opportunities that she will have as my wife. I understand that he is negligent of his estate and spends most of his time in his library alone, except for those times when he enjoys conversations with Miss Elizabeth, who she says, is the son he never had.” Darcy met Mr. Carrington’s gaze.

  “I am glad that you have decided to fight for your lady, sir.”

  “I never had any other thought. Her father will not stop me.”

  “I wonder if he would be this way if he had a son.”

  “We will never know that.” Darcy shook his head. “You mentioned yourself Alex’s occasional selfishness and desire for solitude. Perhaps that trait is something he inherited. Fortunately, you and your wife have raised him to be a man of fine character. I do not think he would be the same man if he had been raised as Mr. Bennet’s son.”

  “Thank you for that, Mr. Darcy.” He looked at him. “Should I tell him?”

  Darcy considered the question. “Mr. Carrington, I grew up as an only child for twelve years until my sister was born. During those years I wished desperately for a sibling. No matter how much I knew that I was loved, I wished for someone to share my family history. When my parents died, if I had not my sister, I would have been alone in the world. Alex has five half-sisters. He should know about it.”

  He nodded. “I will tell him, but perhaps I will wait until Miss Elizabeth is back from her trip. Then he could speak to both of his sisters. We could arrange a meeting?”

  “That would mean informing the Bennet sisters as well, and I would like to do that in person, rather than by letter. With your permission, I will tell Miss Elizabeth when I see her in two weeks. She is staying with a cousin, actually the cousin who will inherit her father’s estate, and he lives near my aunt’s home where I will be visiting for Easter.”

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy, you have my permission. Also, if you could carry through with the conversation to Mr. Bingley about furthering his relationship with Miss Bennet, I would appreciate it. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact me. We will be remaining in London for the Season.” He stood and offered his hand, greatly relieved for having shared his story.

  Taking it Darcy replied, “Thank you, sir, I will do that, and after I speak to Miss Elizabeth, I will write.”

  Carrington took his leave, and Darcy returned to his study, deep in thought. Alex was Elizabeth and Jane’s brother. It was incredible! Could the lack of an heir explain Mr. Bennet’s odd behaviour, or was it just something inherent? He tried to compare his friend to what he saw in his brief encounter with his natural father, and could recognize some familiar qualities. He wondered over the legal aspects of the situation. Alex was the legal heir of Kingston Park, but is he also the legal heir of Longbourn? That news would affect the lives of not only Elizabeth’s family, but also the prospects of her cousin Mr. Collins. He decided to speak to his lawyer hypothetically about it. He knew that Elizabeth’s quick mind would ask the same questions, and he wished to have answers ready for her when they came. He thought some more. Does the knowledge that Mr. Bennet was profligate in his youth and fathered and then abandoned a child change in any way his feelings for Elizabeth? He laughed. No. The sins of the father were not hers, and how many thousands of unclaimed children of gentlemen’s habits were out in the world? Mr. Bennet’s actions were distasteful, but sadly, not uncommon. Alex was a very fortunate man. Darcy’s anger with Mr. Bennet was centred on his treatment of the child he did acknowledge.

  He thought of his father’s admonition to him not to engage in any such activity until he was married, and the reasons behind it. Darcy wondered how many children he might have unknowingly fathered without it. Following his father’s dictum had been very difficult, but he was proud that he had. He was also undeniably happy that time in his life appeared to be coming to an end.

  LATER THAT DAY, Darcy sat in his study, staring unseeing at the fire in the grate. Georgiana had just left after finally speaking to him about Wickham. Suddenly he stood and with quick strides began pacing the room. His anger with the man’s actions against his sister, dormant for months, came raging back and his intense desire was to find and destroy Wickham. “How dare he impose himself on her! After what my father did for him! After he loved him and cared for him. Cared for him more than me!” He struck his fist on the window frame and finally came to rest, staring blindly out at the world beyond the glass. “My sister believed his lie because she was a child, lonely for attention, for the love of her father. The love that he so freely gave to her and denied me! Why?” Walking around his desk, he dropped into the chair and hung his head despondently, “Love that I could not replace, no matter how hard I tried.”

  Georgiana had steadfastly refused to let him take the blame for what happened. She said that she knew Wickham instigated it, but that she had naively and willingly complied with him, and that she was finally ready to accept that and use the experience to grow. She was grateful that her brother had found out the scheme in time to stop it, and that there were no consequences for her actions, but now that it was over, she refused to let her error rule her life. Darcy could hear Elizabeth’s voice as Georgiana spoke. It was her strength and courage t
hat had made this change in Georgiana. At that moment, he wanted to leap on his horse and ride to her side. He wanted to thank her for whatever she said to Georgiana, and he wanted to beg her to listen to him. Never had he wished to pour his heart out to someone before, and now that he knew there was someone who was willing to hear him, he was desperately unhappy that she was not there with him, where she belonged. Drawing out a sheet of paper, he began to write.

  THURSDAY AFTERNOON, Bingley and Jane arrived at Darcy House for Georgiana’s dance lesson. The instructor and the pianist were already there, and they met in the grand ballroom. “Do you often give balls, Mr. Darcy?”

  Bingley laughed, “Miss Bennet, it is difficult enough to make the man attend someone else’s ball let alone give one himself!”

  Darcy could not help but smile at his friend. “I am afraid that Bingley is quite correct with his assessment, although I do know my obligations. I always have a small ball here and at Pemberley once a year, as well as a few dinner parties.”

  Jane looked at Georgiana, “I suppose that may increase next year when you come out?”

  Georgiana made a face. “I do not want to think about it. Thank goodness I have another Season to prepare!”

  “And hence, the dance lessons. Shall we?” Darcy wanted to complete the lesson quickly. There was only one person we wished to dance with, and she was not there, and there was enough resemblance in Jane’s face and voice that he longed for Elizabeth even more.

  After nearly two hours, Jane and Charles were thoroughly acquainted with the waltz, as well as the other dances Georgiana was learning, and were now beginning to show their mutual admiration of each other more openly. That gave Darcy some relief, thinking of how he would speak to Bingley about his relationship with Miss Bennet.

  Before they departed, Darcy drew Jane aside and quietly handed her a sealed letter. She looked into his sad face, and nodded. “I will send it to her in tomorrow’s post, sir.”

  “Thank you.” Turning to Bingley, he said, “I would appreciate it if you could stop by again sometime.”

  “Is there anything wrong?” Bingley was concerned over the serious tone of his friend’s voice.

  “No, not at all, it is a personal situation.” He replied enigmatically. Although he did not quite understand the problem, Bingley realized Darcy could not speak of it in front of Jane, so he agreed to pay a call later in the week, shook his hand and they were on their way.

  JANE WAS ENTERTAINING Mr. Bingley in the drawing room Friday morning when Mrs. Gardiner entered, carrying the newly arrived post. “Jane, you seem to have a very long letter from Lizzy. She must have a great deal of news from Kent!” Jane’s eyes widened as she took the thick letter, and looked up at Bingley. He nodded, realizing that there was probably a letter for Darcy contained inside. “Thank you Aunt, I will read it later when Mr. Bingley has left.” She put it into her reticule and looked at him worriedly, wondering how she would be able to pass him Lizzy’s letter.

  Bingley smiled at her and then declared, “It is a lovely mild spring day, Miss Bennet. Will you join me for a walk in the park before I depart?” Jane smiled in relief. “Yes, Mr. Bingley, just let me get my bonnet and shawl and we shall depart directly.” Jane gathered her things, and the two of them set off on their excursion. She looked up at him and smiled. “That was some quick thinking, sir!”

  “Well I must admit it was for my own benefit as well, Miss Bennet.” He grinned down at her as she blushed. They took a seat on a bench and she opened the letter. Inside there was a note to Jane, and a second sealed letter, simply bearing the letter W.

  “W?”

  “William” smiled Bingley. Jane’s mouth made an “O”. He took the letter and placed it in the inside pocket of his coat. “I will be seeing him tonight at dinner. He will be very pleased to receive this.”

  DARCY FINALLY gave in to the invitation for dinner at the Hurst residence. He did want to avoid Caroline, but he could not cut off the relationship entirely, despite his anger with her constant unwanted attentions, and abuse of her connection to him. She was his best friend’s sister after all.

  He and Georgiana arrived, looking at each other with apprehension, and entered the overly ornate drawing room. “Mr. Darcy! Dear Miss Darcy!” Caroline flew over to greet them as if she were the hostess. She was so eager to attach herself to Darcy’s arm that she nearly knocked Georgiana out of the way. “My, how well you both look! Do you not agree, Louisa?”

  “Indeed they do, Caroline. Welcome to our home. We are pleased that you could join us tonight.” She looked pointedly at her sister. She had told her countless times that Darcy would never be hers.

  Caroline ignored her and smiled coquettishly at him. “Mr. Darcy, I was so sorry that we did not have an opportunity to dance at the Carrington ball.” Darcy detached her hand from his arm and stepped away from her.

  “Yes, well, you know that I rarely indulge in the practice.” He attempted to hide his disgust with her behaviour, and stared into a corner of the room.

  “You seemed to have been quite taken with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Darcy’s mask was firmly in place, and he looked at her blankly. “I know nothing of her. She and her sister seem to have appeared out of nowhere. Nobody could answer my queries.”

  “Why would they interest you, Miss Bingley?”

  Unfazed by his evident irritation, she attempted to reattach herself to his arm, “I was just concerned that you were being taken advantage of, sir. Miss Elizabeth is pretty enough; in a common way, but what do you know of her? Who are her parents, and what are her connections?”

  “It is none of your concern is it Miss Bingley? I can take care of myself without your assistance, in fact, I am quite happy to do so. Will you excuse me?” He stepped over to Bingley.

  “I am sorry for her Darcy. I have been enduring her inquiries about the Bennets all week, and have thus far succeeded in fending her off.”

  “I just wish that she would give up this obsession with me.”

  “It is not you per se, it is Pemberley, you know.”

  “Yes, I know, that is what I realized very soon after we were first introduced. I am quite adept at spotting a fortune hunter.” Seeing his pained expression he added, “Forgive me Bingley.”

  “No, I know what she is. I will speak to her again.” He paused, “I was visiting Miss Bennet today when the post arrived.” He laughed when he saw Darcy’s eyes widen and his head snap up to face him. His expression of hope was palpable.

  “Did anything in particular arrive?” His voice was strained.

  “I will not torture you Darcy. I leave that to my relations.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the letter. Darcy ran his finger over the W and the undisguised love in his face made Bingley draw in his breath. Georgiana saw it and guessed what the letter was. Caroline saw it and did not realize the emotion he was feeling. Darcy carefully tucked the letter in his coat, and thanked Bingley. He managed to endure the rest of the evening by gently touching his pocket to hear the crinkle of the paper inside. She was with him.

  He took the opportunity at the separation of the sexes after dinner to talk to Bingley about Jane. Mr. Hurst was already snoring in a corner of the room. “So, you are seeing quite a good deal of Miss Bennet, Bingley. How is the relationship progressing?”

  Bingley smiled, “Quite nicely, thank you. I have taken your advice, and I am proceeding with deliberation.”

  Darcy grimaced; it was time to stop following his advice. “I noticed that she seemed to be responding quite favourably to your efforts when you visited. In fact, I believe that she was quite at home in your arms during the waltz.” He raised his brow at him.

  Bingley looked excited. “Do you really think so? She seems to enjoy my company, and she blushes quite a bit when I speak to her.”

  “Well if blushing is the trait that you are looking for in a woman who welcomes your attention, I can attest that her sister is quite adept at the practice. Miss Elizabeth and I even joke about her
tendency to blush in my presence. I find it quite,” he paused, “delicious.” He smiled wickedly.

  “Darcy! I never knew you had this roguish side to you!”

  Darcy laughed. “Miss Elizabeth has inspired a great many sides to me that I never knew I possessed, and I am enjoying the discovery.” Returning to his purpose he prodded him, “Perhaps Miss Bennet will do the same for you?”

  “I think that she has already!” Bingley said enthusiastically. Then, furrowing his brow he looked at Darcy. “I say, Darcy, are you encouraging me to make my feelings for Miss Bennet more obvious?”

  He smiled at how suggestible his friend was, “I believe I am, Bingley.”

  “What happened to being cautious?”

  “Blame it on the rogue!” They laughed. “But seriously, I noticed Alex Carrington’s interest in her, and I do not wish for you to lose out on Miss Bennet if she does not think that your intent is serious. Perhaps you might wish to state some level of your feelings to her.”

  “I think that is very sound advice. I will think about what I shall say when we next meet. Thank you for your concern.” He looked at him brightly. “We may someday be brothers after all!”

  Darcy smiled. “Yes, but not by your sister!”

  At home, he settled into his favourite chair and opened her letter.

  Dear W

  Let me begin with this. I miss you. I miss you with a feeling that I can hardly explain to you, let alone to myself. I have spent this week wandering the groves of Rosings with so many thoughts filling my mind and I realize that the sole person in this world who I can speak to about them is you.

  The troubles all revolve around my father and I keep asking myself “why?” My friend Charlotte Collins has been helpful, because she knows him and can see his behaviour impartially. She is a help. But it is not you. I need you. I will wait impatiently for you to come, and continue my musings on my own.