Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  They were received in Gracechurch Street with great surprise, and seeing the frown on Mr. Gardiner’s face, Darcy requested an immediate conference in his study. “Mr. Darcy, I realize that you have entered a courtship with my niece, and I do appreciate your safely bringing her to London, however, I do not appreciate the breech in propriety that you have displayed. It is not proper for an unmarried woman to ride unchaperoned with two unmarried men.”

  “Yes sir and I beg your forgiveness, but perhaps you will grant us your dispensation when I tell you that Miss Elizabeth and I are engaged, and my cousin was acting as chaperone.”

  “You are engaged!” Mr. Gardiner said, surprise and delight replacing his frown.

  “Yes, sir. We hope to receive your blessing?” Darcy smiled at him.

  “Of course! I can think of no finer man for our Lizzy! When did this happen?” Mr. Gardiner took his hand and shook it vigorously.

  “A fortnight ago, exactly.” He grinned at the man’s suddenly improved mood.

  “Well that is quite an accomplishment, keeping such a secret for so long. I do not think even Jane knows of it.” He settled into the chair behind his desk.

  “Actually sir, she does. Elizabeth threatened her not to tell.” His grin widened. Seeing Mr. Gardiner indicate a chair, he sat down and rested his elbows on his knees.

  Mr. Gardiner laughed. “Well what are your plans? I must tell you my brother Bennet remains unmoved in his opinion of you.”

  Darcy sighed, and sat back in the chair. “As you know sir, Elizabeth is of age. I told her the decision is hers. We could marry immediately or I am willing to speak with her father. She is determined to give him a last chance. We will travel to Hertfordshire on Tuesday as originally planned. On Wednesday morning I will speak with Mr. Bennet. If he continues in his stance, we will immediately proceed to the church. I have the license and have already contacted the parson and he is prepared to perform a wedding for an unknown couple that morning. Afterwards we will return to London for a short time before going to Pemberley and our honeymoon in the Lake District.”

  “You seem to have put a great deal of thought into this, sir.” He regarded the younger man. “And what would you do if by some miracle he does agree?”

  “We have agreed to marry the following Wednesday, but will delay our plans no more than one week.” Darcy said with a determined look on his face.

  “I think that is for the best, sir.” Mr. Gardiner stood and placed his hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “I know that you are a good man, and I have no doubt of Lizzy’s well being in your care. You will always be welcome in this house.”

  Darcy nodded. “I truly thank you for your support. Please know that your family will be welcome at Pemberley.” He looked up to Mr. Gardiner. “Sir, do you know why Mr. Bennet feels the way he does? From what Elizabeth tells me, he is supportive of Miss Bennet and my friend Bingley’s attachment. So it cannot be a desire to keep all of his daughters at home. Why is he so determined to keep Elizabeth with him?” Darcy allowed his confusion and pain to show, very briefly, but long enough for Mr. Gardiner to see how deeply affected the younger man was.

  “Mr. Darcy, if I knew, I would tell you. I asked Thomas about it when he was here, and he used the same pitiful excuses that he presented to you, that he feared you taking advantage of Lizzy and casting her aside. I have spoken to Jane, and she thinks that he would be lonely without her. Either reason is weak. I have no answer for you. I do however have no fear of you prevailing when you speak to him.” He smiled slightly. “I can see where you could be quite intimidating if you so choose.”

  Darcy looked up from staring at his hands, and smiled slightly. “I will take that as a compliment, sir.” Then making a decision, he said. “Sir, on Monday, I am going to invite both Misses Bennet to my home. They will likely be there for most of the day. They will be meeting with a previously unknown relation.” Seeing Mr. Gardiner’s confusion, he explained, “Mr. Gardiner, you have earned my trust. I wish to share this information with you. But you must know that only Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Alex Carrington and his parents know the truth. If it is spread beyond us, it will be at the direction of the Carrington’s. May I trust you, sir?” Mr. Gardiner nodded, intrigued, and returned to his seat.

  Darcy told him the story of Alex Carrington. When he finished, Mr. Gardiner sat quietly. “How has this affected Lizzy’s opinion of her father?”

  “She says that he is not the man she thought he was.”

  “And it must not help to have added this to his ridiculous stance to your courtship.” He looked at Darcy, “Which makes her willingness to ask his blessing even more remarkable.”

  Darcy nodded gravely. “Yes, I realize that, sir. She is a most loyal and forgiving woman.”

  Mr. Gardiner sighed. His respect for his brother-in-law was rapidly diminishing. He regarded Darcy closely. “What is your opinion in all this? What would you have done in my brother’s place?”

  An expression of great concentration came over his face. “Sir, I have never been in a situation that could possibly have precipitated such an occurrence, however; I do have acquaintances who have knowingly fathered illegitimate children. Some acknowledge them, some provide for them, some find homes for them, and some, sadly ignore them. I do not know what I would have done exactly, but I believe at the very least I would have assured the child of a future, and safety. I suppose it is something you cannot answer until you face it yourself.”

  Mr. Gardiner nodded his head in agreement, thankful that he never had to face such a situation. “So what is your opinion of Lizzy’s father? Will you use this against him?”

  Darcy studied Mr. Gardiner, he was perhaps fifteen years older than himself, but talking with him was not unlike talking with his father. “I have decided that I will only address the issues that are between us now. What he did in the past is not my concern; at least it is only my concern as far as it affects Elizabeth. I will not use it against him. That would mean exposing Alex Carrington to him, and that is not my choice to make.”

  “I think that your reasoning is sound.” He laughed softly. “He has given you plenty to work with already.” Darcy shook his head in resigned agreement. Mr. Gardiner stood. “Well sir, let us go and rejoin the ladies and your cousin.” The men regretfully declined the offer to stay for dinner, and after managing to only kiss Elizabeth’s hand, they departed for Matlock House where they told their surprised relatives their experiences at Rosings. Lord Matlock knew of Anne’s will, but saw no reason to inform Richard of it. She was young, and could marry, which would make the ownership of Rosings her husband’s concern. He was now delighted to know that his son’s future would be secure. Georgiana was overjoyed to know that Elizabeth would soon be her sister.

  Darcy returned alone to his home, leaving Georgiana with the Matlocks as he would again be leaving town soon. He took the time to review the settlement papers he had directed his solicitor to prepare and decided to bring them for Mr. Gardiner to sign on Sunday after Easter services. He sent a letter to Bingley telling him of their plans, and a note to the Carrington’s inviting them to visit on Monday. Finally, exhausted, he walked upstairs to his silent bedchamber feeling exceptionally lonely. He walked to the door of the mistress’ chambers, and hesitating a moment, entered. The room was as feminine as his was masculine. Before leaving for Kent he directed his housekeeper to clean and air out the long abandoned rooms. He wandered around them, touching the furniture then sat on the bed, imagining Elizabeth’s laughter filling the air, her sweet form looking up to him from the bed, and her arms, welcoming him into her loving embrace. That was where his valet found him the next morning.

  Elizabeth and Jane reunited, both dying to share the news of their engagements. Jane was properly impressed with Darcy leaping from the carriage to propose and utterly horrified by Lady Catherine’s behaviour. In her turn, Jane told of Alex Carrington almost kissing her and Bingley’s sudden appearance and proposal. When she finished, Elizabeth took her
hands and told her that Alex was their brother. Jane was stunned, but then she began to put together all of the thoughts that she had about him and realized that she felt the connection all along. She agreed with Elizabeth that she would like to meet with him at Darcy’s house on Monday. They spoke long into the night about their father.

  Easter saw the families attending services at their separate churches, but Darcy came to Elizabeth for dinner. He drew Mrs. Gardiner aside and asked her to do a great favour for him. She nodded happily in agreement and promised to begin taking care of it Monday. Once again Darcy was denied anything more than a kiss to Elizabeth’s hand before departing. He determined that he must get her alone the next day.

  “GOOD MORNING, DARCY.” Alex said as he shook his friend’s hand. “Thank you for arranging this for us.”

  Alex and Mr. Carrington arrived a bit earlier than expected, much to Darcy’s disappointment. He was missing Elizabeth terribly. He had become so accustomed to seeing her every morning that he was rapidly finding himself incapable of concentrating on anything but the memory of her kiss, and God help him, the tender touch of her hand caressing him . . . He sighed. Guiltily, he hoped that she would arrive first so that he could corner her somewhere for a moment or twenty and calm the voracious appetite she unleashed inside him. But, she did not, and he must instead concentrate on his guests.

  Darcy nodded, “It is my pleasure, Alex, Mr. Carrington. Let’s await the ladies in my study? I sent my carriage to collect them and they should arrive shortly.” The men entered the room and were seated. “I know that Elizabeth was going to speak to Jane about this last night, Alex, so there will be no surprises to anyone this morning.”

  Alex noted the use of the ladies’ Christian names and cocked his head at him. “I understand that you have been courting Miss Elizabeth?”

  Darcy smiled. Alex was always very quick. “Yes, I was.”

  “Was?”

  “I never expected to say this to you Alex, but it seems,” he paused, his lips twitching, “we are to be brothers.”

  Alex and his father looked at each other in surprise and burst out laughing. “Congratulations! I have not been a brother long enough to feel properly possessive over my sister, but knowing you, I trust she will be well cared for.” Darcy smiled. “Of course,” he added, “you will have to answer to me if I hear otherwise.” He said, attempting a look of intimidation.

  The men’s laughter was interrupted by the announcement of Elizabeth and Jane’s arrival. They met them in the drawing room, and Darcy instantly went to Elizabeth and kissed her hand. “You are so lovely this morning, Lizzy.” He whispered.

  She smiled and whispered softly back, “I miss my morning kisses, William.” His look of longing assured her of his shared desire. Before they could lose themselves, they redirected their attention to the rest of the room. Darcy invited everyone to be seated.

  After an awkward silence, Alex began. “I understand that you are to be married to Darcy, Miss Elizabeth. May I extend my heartfelt congratulations?”

  “Thank you, sir, I do appreciate it. I have never been so happy.” She smiled at Darcy. “You should also know that Jane is engaged to Mr. Bingley.” Alex and Jane looked at each other, both blushing.

  He met her eye. “Congratulations to you as well, Miss Bennet. Mr. Bingley is a fine man.”

  “Thank you Mr. Carrington.” Jane whispered.

  Elizabeth then broke the uncomfortable moment. “I think that we need to make a change in the way that we address each other. My brother would not call me Miss Elizabeth.” She raised her brow and smiled at him.

  Alex smiled. “What do you prefer?”

  “My family calls me Lizzy.” She suggested. Alex caught sight of Darcy slowly shaking his head negatively. Apparently, he was the only young man to have that distinction. Elizabeth did not miss the exchange and smiled to herself.

  Alex laughed at his friend’s behaviour. “Perhaps I could call you Elizabeth?”

  “That would be fine.” She pursed her lips and met Darcy’s intense stare.

  “And I am Jane.” She added, confused, missing the exchange.

  “Then I shall be Alex to both of you.” He grinned.

  “Well, good, now that is established, I imagine that you have questions for us?” Elizabeth encouraged him.

  Alex looked at the faces of his sisters and said very sincerely, “First, I want to thank you for being so receptive to me. I remember the shock that I felt when I learned this news, and I imagine that it was equally overwhelming to you.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Darcy, and took his hand. “Yes I am afraid it was very emotional.” Darcy met her gaze and squeezed back. She looked back at Alex’s serious face. “I want you to know Jane and I agreed that you should be part of our lives, to whatever extent you wish. You are already friends with William, and you certainly did not create this situation. But it is before us, and I think that instead of concentrating on the cause, we should rejoice in the fact that we have found each other.”

  Jane nodded in agreement. “Yes, Alex, we have already enjoyed each other’s company, and I think that we were developing a friendship before we learned this news.”

  “Elizabeth, Jane, thank you. I am astounded with your generosity. I will be honoured to be your friend and I hope someday, a welcome family member. I am delighted to know that I have such kind sisters.”

  Elizabeth grinned, “Well sir, you have three others, would you care to hear about them?”

  Alex glanced at his smiling father, shaking his head in disbelief. “Yes, tell me all.”

  She gestured to Jane. “Jane is three and twenty, I am one and twenty, our next sister is Mary, who is nineteen, then there is Kitty, who is seventeen, and finally Lydia, who is fifteen.”

  Still amazed, Alex asked, “Are they like the two of you?”

  Elizabeth and Jane exchanged glances. “Go ahead and tell him Lizzy, he will find out soon enough!”

  She laughed. “No Alex, I am afraid that all of your sisters have very distinct personalities. You have had the opportunity to see that Jane and I are dissimilar, but reasonably sensible.” She sighed. “Mary is rather moralistic. She enjoys quoting sermons, playing the pianoforte, and singing. Kitty is a follower, and although older, she follows Lydia’s bold lead in their mutual desire to wed a man in a red coat. They are all three rather silly.”

  Alex laughed at the descriptions. “Well, they are quite young yet. How did you two become so sensible?”

  The sisters laughed. “We had the advantage of our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s guidance before they started having children and our father’s attention before he seemed to withdraw from his family and into his library.” Elizabeth’s voice died away.

  The subject had finally been broached and the tension in the room was thick. Alex looked at his apprehensive sisters. “Please tell me about Mr. Bennet.”

  Elizabeth, by agreement with Jane, answered. “If you had asked me that question two months ago, I would have told you without hesitation that he was a good man. Papa has a very sharp wit, which is beyond my mother, and which he uses regularly to combat her nervous and annoying behaviour. He has a dilatory attitude towards Longbourn, only doing what is necessary to keep it running and providing an income. He does not extend himself if not needed and prefers to spend his time in his library. He has essentially lost interest in his family, and that lack of attention is evident in our younger sisters’ behaviour.”

  “Forgive me, but the picture you paint is not complimentary.”

  The sisters sighed and looked at each other. “No, you are correct, it is not. But, you see, he gave me so much attention. He educated me, he challenged me, I learned so much from him and I am the person I am now because of him. I have not always admired him, I have often wished better of him, but I am grateful for what he has given me. He always had my respect, at least he used to . . .” She looked up at Alex then turned her eyes to Darcy who gripped her hand tightly.

  Philip spoke. “I
understand that he is not supportive of your engagement?”

  “He does not know of it yet, sir, but when William approached him about our courtship he threw out terrible accusations about his motivation for selecting me, a woman with no fortune, no connections, and he told me, little beauty.” The raw pain of her father’s words had caused was clear. “He said that William would only want me . . .” She choked back a sob. “I do not understand why! Excuse me.” She stood and ran from the room.

  Jane rose to chase after her, but Darcy was up first and out the door. The remaining guests sat in silence until Alex spoke quietly. “Does your father support your engagement, Jane?”

  “Mr. Bingley has not approached Papa yet, but he has written to me and my uncle, and he seems happy for our attachment.”

  “Do you know why he is so against Miss Elizabeth and Darcy?” Philip asked, not understanding the man.

  Jane thought. “I believe that he does not wish her to leave home. You see, Papa was so attentive to the two of us. I suppose to me because I was his first child.” She glanced briefly at Alex. “But then, as we grew older, and Mama kept having girls, he just lost interest in his children. I think that he saw in Lizzy a reflection of himself, his wit and intelligence, and he seemed to centre all of his attention upon her. I suppose that he does not wish to be alone, and wants to keep her with him.”

  “No matter what his motivation, he has no business denying Elizabeth her life and security.” Alex said with some anger. The men continued discussing the Bennet family with Jane, but found that listening to her was far different from listening to Elizabeth. Jane seemed to want to create a picture of everything being well, where Elizabeth’s description appeared to be much closer to the truth.

  Darcy led Elizabeth into the nearby music room and closed the door. “Oh William, I am so sorry. I did not mean to cry.” She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. He held her close and rubbed her back until she calmed.