Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Caroline looked at her brother in disbelief. She never thought that she would be displaced upon his marriage. She looked at Louisa, who nodded to her, agreeing with Charles. She looked to Alex, who did not meet her eyes. She then looked at Darcy, who met her gaze with no expression. There was no sign of hope there. Finally, she swallowed, “I will be interested in hearing what you have to say tomorrow, Charles.” Then mustering all of the dignity she could, she and Louisa left the room.

  The men waited a few moments in silence and it was Hurst who spoke first, “Good for you, Charles.”

  Chapter 19

  Darcy arose at dawn Wednesday morning after a fitful night. He wished desperately that he could have spoken to Elizabeth before leaving Longbourn, but it was not to be. He wanted to hold her and reassure her that all would be well. He then looked at the rumpled bed and wondered if this was the last time that he would spend his night alone. Deciding that he needed some exercise before arriving at Longbourn, he dressed in his riding clothes and went downstairs to have some coffee before leaving. To his surprise, he found Alex in the breakfast room.

  “Good Morning, Alex, you are up early!”

  “Good Morning, Darcy, I can imagine what awakened you.”

  “Yes, it is a momentous day. I have mixed feelings about it, though by my reception, I have a feeling that I may be a married man in a few hours.” He smiled.

  Alex smiled back. “As painful as it will likely be to my sister, I do hope that your feeling is correct.” He paused, “I have decided to return to London this morning.”

  “You have seen all that you wish?”

  “Yes. My three younger sisters are, as Elizabeth warned me, silly and vacant, nothing to herself or Jane. I have no need to further the acquaintance, perhaps when they are older, but for now, no. Mr. Bennet, well, after listening to him for an evening, I felt an uncomfortable familiarity in character which I will endeavour to repair. I always felt a little selfish at times, but seeing how my birth father’s behaviour has hurt my sister through his selfishness, I know that I must change. I will emulate my true father as much as possible.” He looked thoughtfully into the distance.

  “Shall I give a message to Elizabeth and Jane from you?” Darcy asked, pleased and interested to watch his friend’s self-realization.

  “Yes, thank them for allowing me this opportunity to see what my blood heritage is, and tell them that I truly do wish to continue the relationship with them, and be a part of their lives.” He smiled, “It is good to know that I will not be alone in the world when my parents are no more.”

  “I will be proud to have you as part of my family, Alex. You will always be welcome at Pemberley.”

  “And you and Elizabeth will always be welcomed at Kingston Park.” The two men shook hands. “I am sorry to be missing your wedding, Darcy, but I do not belong here.” Alex was glad to have followed his father’s advice to simply come and observe; now he could leave quietly, and probably never return.

  Struck by a thought, Alex looked at Darcy. “Would you prefer that I stay? I am incensed with Mr. Bennet’s behaviour towards you and Elizabeth, and to be honest with you, I would not even consider approaching the man for his consent, and admire your willingness to do so. However, I know you will not be remotely intimidated by whatever he will throw at you, and that you will not need someone to hold your hand while you face him. I do feel more of a brother to you than I do Elizabeth. I have known you years where in all honesty, I have only seen her on three occasions. It would be presumptuous of me to assume the role of protective brother at this point in our relationship, especially when I have chosen not to reveal who I am to Mr. Bennet. I will however be honoured to stand by you if my support will aid you in any way.”

  Darcy listened to Alex’s statement of commitment to their friendship and was deeply gratified. “Alex, I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your offer of support. You are correct though, I do not at all fear facing Mr. Bennet. This is not your fight, your purpose for coming here was to meet and assess the man, and see where your blood lies. If you feel that you have seen all you need, then I do not begrudge your desire to leave.” Darcy held out his hand and the friends shook once more. “How will you return to London?”

  “I will rent a horse at the post stop in town.”

  “I will accompany you there.” Darcy finished his coffee and returned the cup to the sideboard. They walked from the house to the stables, and set out; followed by a groom who would lead back Alex’s mount. He and Darcy said their farewells, and soon he was off to town.

  Darcy then rode out over the fields of Netherfield, trying to relax his mind by looking over Bingley’s estate. It was not bad; certainly nothing that a little influx of capital could not mend. He looked at the fences, and rode past the tenant homes. He was about to turn back when he spied a familiar figure in a yellow gown wandering pensively down a nearby lane.

  “Elizabeth!” He called out, turning his horse towards her. She stopped at the sound of his voice, and spotted him riding to her.

  “William!” She cried with delight. He reigned in the animal and jumped down, picking her up in his arms and spinning her about.

  “Oh darling how I have missed you! I woke up regretting not speaking to you last night and wishing that I could see you this morning.” He began covering her face in kisses.

  Laughing, she pulled his head away from her and smiled into his beaming face. “I escaped the house hoping that I might find you.”

  He held her tight. “It seems wishes do come true.” He kissed her sweet lips. “I love you, Lizzy.”

  “I love you, my William.” She said, softly stroking his face.

  “How was your night? Did your father give you any more trouble?” He asked, calming but not letting go.

  “No, I have not seen him since you departed. I rose up with the birds and have been walking ever since. I have been anticipating what this day will bring.” She looked at him uncertainly.

  “I have been up early as well. I went with Alex to the post station to rent a horse. He has decided that there is nothing for him here, and is returning home, with much insight into his own character.”

  “He did not think much of Papa, did he?”

  Darcy met her eyes and stroked her cheek. “No, he did not. Nor of your younger sisters, I am afraid. He said maybe when they are older. . .”

  “No, I doubt that they will be much changed then, either.” She shook her head sadly.

  “He did say that he wishes to be close to you and Jane. He welcomes us to Kingston Park, and I extended our welcome to Pemberley.” He smiled, trying to cheer her.

  Elizabeth returned his smile. “Thank you; that was kind of you.”

  “He is my friend; it was something that I would do in any case.”

  Elizabeth stared at the ground. “Are you going to speak to Papa today?” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “You know that I am.” He kissed her. “If he reacts as I think he will, what do you wish to do?”

  She took a deep breath. “If he refuses, when you leave the library, Jane and I will invite my mother and sisters to come for a walk to town. We will go straight to the church. I will not extend this any longer. I wish to be your wife. Today.” She looked defiantly at him.

  “Well, that seems a wonderful plan of action, my dear.” He whispered into her ear. “I cannot wait to be your husband.” He felt the heat of her blush on his cheek. They walked towards Longbourn, and before they came too near, he kissed her and mounted his horse. “I will go and change now. I will be there to speak to your father in two hours.”

  “And I will be ready to leave after you do.” She watched as he rode away. Then straightening her shoulders returned to the house to pack.

  DARCY washed up and dressed, and spoke to Bingley when they were alone in the breakfast room. He told him of Alex’s departure, and then gave him his thoughts on Netherfield, since he doubted he would have another chance anytime soon. Finally, he told him of his an
d Elizabeth’s plan for the day. Bingley said that he would accompany him to Longbourn, and stand up with him at the wedding. Darcy was grateful for his friend’s support. Bingley also offered to host the couple that night if their departure for London was delayed unexpectedly. Although the last place that Darcy wished to spend his wedding night was Netherfield, he accepted the invitation. It was agreed that no word of the day’s plans would be spoken to Bingley’s family, so when they left together, all that Caroline knew was that they were going visiting.

  Mr. Bennet looked out of the library window to see the two men arrive. He knew they would come. He had not decided yet how he would receive Darcy. It was not until he saw the man striding determinedly into his home that his possessive anger overtook him and he decided to fight his attempt to take Lizzy away. He knew how fruitless it was, but that hopelessness just made him more irrationally angry. He heard the expected knock on the door, and saw Darcy enter the room. He closed it behind him, and stood before the desk: tall, serious, with an aura of great strength.

  “Mr. Bennet. I have come to tell you that almost three weeks ago I asked for your daughter Miss Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. I was honoured and delighted to receive her acceptance.” Mr. Bennet sat straight up, anger crossing his face. “I now respectfully request that you fulfil your daughter’s desire to become my wife, and ask for your consent and blessing on our union.” Darcy stood with his unreadable mask firmly in place, and watched the father of his beloved struggle for words.

  He glared. “Mr. Darcy. I am surprised that you would come here with such a request. I believe that I made it quite clear to you that I do not favour you as my daughter’s husband.”

  Darcy regarded him coolly. “If that is so sir, then you should not have allowed me to court her. By allowing me that privilege, your consent was implied. You should not be surprised with the natural conclusion to the courtship.”

  “It was my error to allow it at all.” He said bitterly.

  “Nonetheless, you did, and I have won Miss Elizabeth’s heart, as she has won mine. I assure you sir, I want nothing but the best for her, and I will love and care for her all the days of her life.” His eyes bore into Mr. Bennet, daring him to dispute his words.

  Mr. Bennet laughed shortly. “You have won her heart! I doubt that she sees past your wealth!”

  With difficulty, Darcy controlled his growing anger. “I believe that your daughter has stated quite clearly that she has no interest in marrying for anything less than love, mutual respect, and esteem. Why would you think that she has suddenly changed her mind? Miss Elizabeth is not mercenary. I have seen enough of that type of woman to be able to know the difference.”

  Mr. Bennet ignored the truth of his statement. “Come now, Mr. Darcy. Any woman could be dazzled by your riches.” Then he stated with conviction, “I will not allow my daughter to leave her home to go to a man who will abuse her.”

  “Abuse her!” Darcy was instantly incensed. “How did you form such an idea? What do you know of my character to make such an allegation!”

  Mr. Bennet pointed an accusing finger at him. “You only want her to make your heir, and you will continue to see your mistresses and prostitutes, as all rich men do. I warned her of this. You want a simple country girl who you can control.” He missed the dangerous light brewing in Darcy’s dark eyes.

  “Sir, I will not even address such a ridiculous statement! You are grasping at straws for no good reason. You should be ashamed of yourself!”

  “You have no business coming into my home and taking my daughter away from me!!” Mr. Bennet shouted, leaping to his feet, finally letting all of his feelings be heard. “She is mine! I raised her! I made her who she is! She was meant to stay by my side always! She will be perfectly happy here. She has no need of your riches, your books, your friends, your connections. I will provide all that she needs. My other daughters will leave me, but Lizzy was always meant to stay here. I always planned it that way! I have made sure that no man would ever want her by educating her! Then you come along, and claim that you like that in her. You lie! You will grow bored with her, and she will languish in your house, a slave to your desires when she knows that she would have been happier here. You will not take her away from me!” Mr. Bennet glared at him, pounding his fists on the desk.

  Darcy stared at the man in disbelief. “Do you care nothing for your daughter’s happiness? How can you treat her like a possession?”

  Mr. Bennet smirked. “I am her father; she will do as I say. When she marries, I will choose the man, one who will keep her near.”

  “Elizabeth once told me that you would support her decision to determine her own happiness. That you would never force her to accept a marriage that she despised. Is it that she has found a man who is her equal in intelligence? That there is no reason to object to me? That unlike the fool Collins who you knew she would reject, you know I am worthy of her and she of me?” Darcy was absolutely furious with him. His anger was the greatest he had ever experienced. His hands clenched into fists, he made a valiant effort to control his urge to pick up Mr. Bennet and shake the smirk off his face. “I refuse to believe these arguments that you put before me. Something else is driving you. What is it? Are you so afraid of losing your companion that you would force her to live her life unfulfilled to meet your own selfish desires? Are you jealous that she will have the love and companionship that you never had? Are you afraid to live with your own wife?” Then, coming to a sudden realization, Darcy’s mouth opened and his eyes narrowed, “No, it is because she is the son you did not have. Daughters leave home, but sons stay. You raised her as your son and companion and now she is leaving you.” In his fury he considered throwing the truth of Alex in his face, but remembered in time that he would not expose his friend.

  Mr. Bennet made no answer; he was too numb to speak. A sick feeling spread over him as the reality of what had just happened finally permeated his consciousness, and the truth of Darcy’s charge struck him to the bone.

  Darcy cast one more look of absolute disdain at Elizabeth’s father. “Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth is of age. If you will not give your consent, I will leave the decision to her.” He pulled open the door and strode from the room.

  Mr. Bennet stood staring out the open door. A servant entered and caught sight of the master’s face and almost threw the morning’s post on his desk before fleeing the room, closing the door behind him. Mr. Bennet was aware of the loud noises of the ladies calling out to each other but paid them no heed. He was desperately seeking a way to stop the loss of Lizzy from his life, and the weight of his mistake was hitting him with a crushing force. He looked down at his desk and snatched up the missive postmarked from Brighton. Surely this must be from Wickham. A last glimmer of possibility raised his foolish hope that he had been correct all along. At last he would have something to prove to Lizzy that Darcy was unworthy. Eagerly he broke the seal and began to read.

  Brighton

  April 11, 1811

  Dear Mr. Bennet,

  I was surprised to receive your letter, but will be pleased to help in your endeavour to end the attraction between Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Since you do not wish her to marry I would be happy to provide my services to keep her satisfied and act as a proper gentleman friend to keep her company. I will be glad to lend you my services for a small fee. May I suggest three thousand pounds? Surely that is a sum worthy of

  Mr. Bennet dropped the letter in disgust. He was disgusted with the obvious cad who was the writer, and disgusted with himself for contacting him in the first place. He looked out the window in time to see his entire family, with the company of the gentlemen; disappear down the lane towards Meryton.

  DARCY LEFT the room, his face red with fury, and his first sight was of Elizabeth; her eyes flashing with anger. No words were necessary. She went into the drawing room, and nodding to Jane, turned to her mother.

  “Mama, please get your things, we are taking a walk. Lydia, Kitty, Mary, get your things. We are all go
ing together.”

  A cacophony of questions erupted from the four ladies. Elizabeth was in no humour to tolerate it. She was about to physically push them out of the door when Darcy’s deep authoritative voice stopped the din. “Ladies, we will be leaving in five minutes if you wish to witness this important event, I suggest that you prepare immediately. We will not wait past that time.” He turned to Elizabeth, and taking her hand, left the room. Jane and Bingley followed. Darcy’s words sufficiently raised the ladies’ curiosity and they ran for their bonnets. Soon they were all walking swiftly towards the Meryton church.

  Darcy’s face was set in a grim line, still furious with Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth was in an equal mood. They were both much better walkers than the rest of the group and were far ahead of them when the anger that compelled their rapid movement finally began to dissipate. Darcy slowed, and Elizabeth began to laugh.

  He looked down at her. “Elizabeth if there is anything amusing in what we just experienced, please share it with me. I need the relief.”

  She smiled. “No sir, absolutely nothing is humorous in what my father said. I was just struck that I must remember never to try to walk with you when you are in an angry state. I fear that my legs cannot keep up with your colossal stride.”

  Darcy’s lips twitched. “Do you mean that my steps are too long for you?”

  She shook her head. “Only when you are preoccupied. I am a bit smaller than you, if you have not noticed.”

  He tilted his head, “So we are not well matched?”