Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “What can I do for you, my love?”

  “Just hold me.” She sniffed. “There is nothing to say, we know nothing until we go to Longbourn.”

  “You are correct.” He was at a loss. He hated seeing her cry, and wanted to find a way to comfort her. Then, he remembered that humour always seemed to bring her away from her sadness. “May I tell you something? I was secretly plotting a way to get you alone while you visited today, and although I would not choose you running away in tears, I must say that it has suited my purpose quite well.” He smiled down at her.

  She looked up, a small smile on her lips, “And what exactly is this purpose, sir?”

  “Let me show you,” he whispered softly in her ear. He ran his hands along her back and down to her behind and easily lifted her so that his arousal was snugly pressed against her. Elizabeth’s fingers wound into his hair. He began rhythmically rubbing against her while running his tongue over her lips, and parting, they kissed deeply. “Oh Lizzy, I want you so much!” Elizabeth could hear the desperation in his voice. He began kissing her neck, and if it had not been for the sound of knocking on the door, he may have allowed his torrid daydreams to come true. Instead, they tore very reluctantly from each other and tried to regain their composure. Resting his head on hers, Darcy called out, a little harshly, “Yes?”

  They heard Jane’s muffled voice. “It is Jane, Mr. Darcy. Is Lizzy well?”

  They sighed, and Elizabeth looked apologetically at him. She called out, “I am well, Jane. We will be right with you.”

  They stood embracing tightly, wishing for privacy, but knowing they must quickly return to the others. Darcy attempted to distract himself from the woman in his arms. “How did Jane take the news? She seems very calm.”

  “Jane always seems calm.” Elizabeth said, not without some noticeable exasperation. “She wants to see the good in everyone at all times. She will work to justify Papa’s behaviour.” She laughed. “I sincerely doubt that she and Mr. Bingley will ever disagree about any subject.”

  Darcy laughed. “Then you were correct in your assessment, they are well suited.” He looked down into her smiling eyes, and could not resist the urge to kiss her again. Soon they were tightly embraced, rapidly falling back into their shared need for each other. He pulled his mouth from hers, bending to kiss her shoulder. “Lizzy.” He whispered. Elizabeth ran her hands down his chest and gently caressed his very evident arousal. “Oh God, Lizzy!” He moaned.

  She instantly withdrew her hand. “Forgive me! I thought that you liked me touching you there.”

  “No, no.” He took her hand and placed it back where it was. “I do like you touching me there.” He pulled her back to him. “I crave you touching me, Lizzy; I dream of you touching me, there and so many other places.” He whispered, “And I dream of touching you.” He waited, his face buried in her hair, waited to see if she would be offended with his confession.

  It was with relief that he heard her soft voice, so quiet that he could barely understand. “I have those dreams of you, William.”

  “You do?” He asked hopefully, and feeling her nod, promised, “Soon darling, soon.”

  The two gave in to several more minutes of passion before Elizabeth checked her appearance and returned to the company. Darcy followed a few minutes later. Jane was concerned over her flushed face. Alex and Mr. Carrington exchanged knowing glances after seeing her countenance and obviously swollen lips. Darcy met their amused smiles with a defiant glance and suggested they discuss the pending trip to Hertfordshire. It was agreed that Alex would travel with Darcy, Elizabeth and Jane on Tuesday. He was given a thorough warning about Caroline Bingley, and her fortune hunting tendencies. After they left, Darcy wished to show Elizabeth the mistress’ chambers and led the way upstairs. “Please tell me if there is anything you wish to change, Elizabeth. These rooms have not been in use for many years.”

  Elizabeth and Jane looked at the splendour around them and tried to remain nonchalant about it. “Oh, I think that the rooms will be perfectly adequate, sir.”

  Darcy was momentarily surprised at her lack of enthusiasm when he caught her exchanging glances of astonishment with Jane. Smiling to himself and seeking to discompose her, he took her hand and led her to the door to his bedchamber. “I am pleased to hear of your satisfaction. Perhaps you can lend me your suggestions for this room.” He pulled her inside and stood behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist, his broad back blocking Jane’s view. Elizabeth stood perfectly still, staring at the massive bed in his decidedly masculine room. She felt his arousal pressing on her back. His warm breath tickled her ear and he was delighted when she took his hands and slid them down from her waist to her thighs. “Do you have any ideas for this room, Lizzy?”

  “Oh, yes.” She sighed longingly.

  “Shall you sleep with me here every night?” He whispered, nuzzling her ear.

  “Wherever you are, I will be beside you.” She pressed her body back against his.

  “I love you, Elizabeth.”

  ALEX AND PHILIP had walked to Darcy’s townhouse; it was not terribly far from their home. Philip regarded his pensive son. “You have two very lovely sisters.”

  Alex, drawn from his reverie, smiled at his father. “Yes, I do. I am interested to meet the others, even if they are silly by Elizabeth’s description.”

  Philip laughed, and then asked, “And how do you feel about meeting Mr. Bennet?”

  “I do not know. I have not decided how I feel about him. Jane and Elizabeth have given me much to think about.”

  “Yes, I have been thinking a great deal as well.” Philip weighed what he was about to say, and decided to continue. “Alex, am I correct in assuming that you have not taken a vow of celibacy?”

  Surprised, Alex looked at him. “No, Father.”

  “And may I ask, when you were twenty, or one and twenty, did you visit courtesans, or perhaps other ladies? I know that you have not kept a mistress, you did not have the funds for it.” He smiled slightly and tilted his head.

  “Yes Father, I did occasionally visit the houses for gentlemen at Cambridge and London. Why do you ask?”

  “What would you have done if you found that you had impregnated one of these women, if you knew for certain that it was to be your issue? Would you have immediately declared the child your heir?” Philip looked at his son seriously.

  Alex walked along in silence, watching the ground before him and considered the question. “No, I would not have done that. But, I think, if I knew without a doubt that the child was mine, I would have tried to look after him in some way, perhaps provided funds for his upbringing, kept an eye on his progress.” He looked at Philip. “What are you trying to tell me, Father?”

  “I am trying to tell you that there are many ways to look at what Mr. Bennet did.” He took a breath. “He was probably just barely of age when he learned the news of the maid’s pregnancy. And yes, it would have been wonderful if he had, obviously not married the girl, but perhaps had done as you say, provided for you somehow. He did not, and thank God we had the chance to adopt you. What I am trying to tell you Son, is that the man, very young at the time, living with who knows what charges from his own father, behaved in a way that is not unusual, and not too far off from what you might have done. If he had behaved as you think you would, and we had not had the opportunity to take you in, you may have still lived the life of a servant or tradesman. Upon realizing that he would only have daughters with Mrs. Bennet, he might have chosen at that time to acknowledge you as his heir. We will never know. But it gives you something to think about when you go to meet him.

  “Are you saying that I should not be angry with him? That I should excuse him? After all, he did not make any attempt to provide for me, so my future was very much unknown, and he played no part in it, even if it had been destined to be that of a servant.” Alex looked at him, astonished with his counsel.

  “I will not tell you how you should feel, Alex. But I think that instead
of going to Hertfordshire with an attitude of anger or with a desire to confront the man, I think that you should instead just go and observe. It is up to you if you wish to ever reveal your identity to him. I doubt that Elizabeth or Jane will tell him. They seem simply grateful to have you as their brother. I ask only that you consider all possibilities.”

  Alex stopped walking and faced Philip. “But what of his behaviour towards his family? And especially towards Elizabeth and Darcy?” Philip stopped as well, and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “That has nothing to do with you, Alex. His behaviour now may in fact have something to do with not having a son, we cannot know. Your only concern should be if you wish to know and reveal yourself to the man.”

  “You have given me much think about, Father.” The men began walking. “I am grateful for what chance has brought me.”

  Chapter 18

  The servant closed the door and Bingley broke open the message from Darcy. They would arrive by noon the next day. The time to speak to Mr. Bennet had come. He agreed with Darcy, he wished to have his private conversation to ask Mr. Bennet’s consent to marry Jane before the storm of Darcy and Elizabeth’s arrival distracted and upset the household. He decided to visit Longbourn in the morning and remain there to greet Jane when she arrived. He missed her terribly.

  He also needed to speak to Caroline. Exiting his study, he found her in the sitting room, talking to the newly arrived Hursts. “Caroline, I just received a letter from Darcy. He and Alex Carrington will be arriving tomorrow. Please have two rooms prepared for them.”

  “I did not realize that Mr. Carrington was coming as well. How long will he be staying?” She was unhappy. Mr. Carrington would undoubtedly distract Mr. Darcy’s attention from her.

  “I am not sure. I think that it will be a short visit. He has some business in the area, and I offered him a place to stay while he completes it.”

  “And Mr. Darcy, does he say how long he will stay?”

  “No, he does not.” Bingley saw the displeasure in her eyes. “Caroline, I wish to take this opportunity to remind you, Darcy is coming here as my friend. Not as your suitor. He has made it clear that he is not seeking a wife.” He thought to himself, Because he has found one.

  “I have no idea what you are implying, Charles!”

  “You know full well that I am implying nothing. I am stating a fact. Stop pursuing Darcy. I do not wish my friend to be uncomfortable visiting me.” He considered telling her that he would be marrying Jane soon, but decided to wait until he spoke to Mr. Bennet. He certainly would not inform her about Darcy and Elizabeth; that was their secret to tell.

  The next morning Bingley dressed carefully, rehearsed his speech, mounted his horse, and rode to Longbourn. Before he knew it, he was admitted to Mr. Bennet’s library.

  DARCY’S CARRIAGE rumbled into Longbourn’s courtyard. The emotions of the four occupants were diverse. Jane spotted the beaming Bingley standing next to her father, and her heart leapt with joy. Darcy looked at Mr. Bennet stone faced. His day of reckoning would be tomorrow, for today, his position was to maintain a civil attitude. Elizabeth looked at her father with hope and anguish. This may be the last time that she ever comes to see him. Alex observed the oddly familiar countenance of the man who abandoned him and wondered if he was committing an error by coming.

  Mr. Bennet watched the arrival of the carriage with a mixture of anxiety and relief. Jane had written to him the week before, telling him of Mr. Darcy’s offer to transport his daughters home, as he was coming to Netherfield to visit Bingley. Mr. Bennet hesitated only briefly in granting his permission. With both of his daughters in the coach, he did not feel there was a breach in propriety, and he could not overlook the significant savings he would enjoy by not sending his own coach or paying the fare for the post. What bothered him now was observing that there was a second young man in the carriage. As a man who disliked extending himself in any manner, he decided that confrontation on this point was not worth his effort. Instead, he focused on the pleasure of seeing his daughters again after six weeks of separation. He was happy to bring joy to Jane by giving his consent to Bingley, and hoped that he would find a way to convince Elizabeth to give up Darcy. He would attempt civility with the man, for now.

  BINGLEY IMMEDIATELY RAN to the coach and greeted the men as they descended. He hovered and soon took Jane’s hand to help her exit, whispering their good news to her in the process. Darcy then took his place and waited for Elizabeth. They grasped hands, trying to gain strength from each other.

  When she came to rest on the ground, he kissed her hand and whispered, “I love you, Elizabeth.”

  She smiled and mouthed, “I love you, William.”

  “Welcome home, Lizzy.” Mr. Bennet said, trying not to stare at her hand clutching Darcy’s arm. “I hope that your travels are finished for quite a long time, you have been missed.”

  “Thank you, Papa; it is good to see my family again.” Elizabeth made a point of not agreeing and looked to William. “Of course you remember Mr. Darcy?”

  Mr. Bennet finally looked into Darcy’s expressionless face and nodded. “Yes, I remember him. I thank you for bringing my daughters safely home. I see that you have not grown weary of my Lizzy’s company, sir.”

  Darcy met his gaze, noting the possession he indicated when speaking of Elizabeth. “No sir. No man with any intelligence could ever grow tired of such a treasure. I never will.”

  Elizabeth smiled up at him. “Thank you, William.”

  He looked down, smiling only for her. “It is my pleasure, Elizabeth.”

  Mr. Bennet grimaced, hearing their familiar address. Then noticing Alex standing quietly nearby, he looked at Elizabeth questioningly. “Papa, may I introduce you to Mr. Alex Carrington? Mr. Carrington is a very good friend of Mr. Darcy’s and he has become a much favoured friend of mine and Jane’s. It was his family’s ball that we attended in London.” Then turning to Alex, she said, “Mr. Carrington, may I present my father, Mr. Thomas Bennet.” She gave him an encouraging smile.

  Alex first looked into the warm eyes of his sister, glanced at Darcy, who nodded his encouragement, then turned to bow to his birth father. “Mr. Bennet, it is an honour to meet you. Please forgive my intrusion into your home. I have business in the area and Mr. Bingley was kind enough to extend an invitation to Netherfield, and Darcy was equally willing to provide transportation.”

  Mr. Bennet’s face displayed his confusion. Something about this young man struck him as familiar. He nodded slowly. “You are most welcome, sir.”

  The party then turned to enter the house, Jane and Bingley leading the way. Mr. Bennet was hoping to speak with Elizabeth alone, but it was obvious that she had no intention of letting Darcy’s arm go. He resigned himself to walking alongside Alex.

  “What part of the country are you from, Mr. Carrington?”

  “My family home is in Buckingham, sir. The estate is called Kingston Park. I have passed through this part of Hertfordshire many times on my travels to and from London, but this is my first time actually staying here.”

  Trying to understand the discomfort he felt, he asked. “How long do you expect to stay?”

  “Not too long. I am just here to meet some people, and then I will return to London.” Alex was scrutinizing Mr. Bennet as closely as his birth father was observing him. He could see himself in the man’s face, his build, even in his voice.

  “Well then, I hope that your business is concluded satisfactorily.” Mr. Bennet saw what he swore was a younger version of himself, and was at a loss as to why.

  “As do I, sir.”

  By this time they had all entered the drawing room where Mrs. Bennet and the other girls were waiting. As Elizabeth performed the introductions, Mrs. Bennet saw the obvious closeness between her second daughter and the elegant, handsome man beside her. Happily she began wondering if he would marry her. She then turned her attention to the other handsome young man, and thought that he would do very nicely for one of her other
daughters. When she turned to encourage him to take a seat, she was surprised to see that the girls were all looking at him curiously. Trying to understand her daughters’ unusual behaviour, she examined Alex, and was suddenly struck by the thought that she was viewing a younger incarnation of her husband. Before she had a chance to say anything, Mr. Bennet called everyone’s attention, and announced the engagement of Jane to Charles.

  Pandemonium broke out, and Mrs. Bennet was instantly in the full throes of exclaiming her joy, and immediately forgot about the resemblance between Alex and Mr. Bennet. She invited the three gentlemen to stay for dinner to celebrate, and upon their agreement, scurried off to the kitchens.

  The gentlemen decided to leave for Netherfield and settle in. Elizabeth and Jane walked out with them to the carriage, and it was with great difficulty that Darcy did not pull Elizabeth into his arms. He settled for a kiss on the hand, and heartfelt looks; and they were gone. When Elizabeth and Jane came downstairs after changing from their travelling clothes, Mrs. Bennet immediately dragged Jane away to express her happiness and Elizabeth found herself being summoned to her father’s presence.

  Closing the library door, she took her accustomed chair in front of his desk. For the first time in her life, she was not comfortable there. Knowledge of his behaviour, both as a young man and presently, had opened her eyes.

  “Well Lizzy, it is good to have you home at last.” Mr. Bennet began, looking at her closely. “You must tell me of your travels.”

  Elizabeth was feeling very defiant. “I believe that I wrote of them quite extensively, did you not receive my letters? I never heard from you, so I hope that they were not lost.”

  He answered slowly, “No, they were not lost. I read them all with great interest. I had no news to report, so I did not write to you.”

  “You had time to write to Jane, Papa.”

  “Yes, I did. I thought that she would share her letters with you.”