Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Elizabeth pulled away and squeezed her hands. “It was terrifying, but we managed it together, and continue to support each other daily. I do not know how I could have survived this without the love we have for each other.”

  Georgiana nodded, remaining silent for several moments, and then making a decision, she drew up her courage. “Elizabeth, I need to ask you something.”

  “Yes, Georgiana? You know that you can talk to me about anything.” Elizabeth smiled at her.

  “Aunt Elaine talked to me about . . . what happens when you marry, on the wedding night. She said that since I will be coming out, it was time for me to hear of these things.” She looked at her, afraid of her reaction.

  Elizabeth smiled. “That was a very good idea of hers. My Aunt Gardiner began speaking of those things with me at about the same age as you are now, and I appreciated it more than I can say. Did she tell you something that you need clarified?” She held her hand, encouraging her to talk.

  “No, not exactly.” She said, and closed her eyes. “I think that I might have experienced that situation already.” She said softly.

  “What do you mean, Georgiana?” Elizabeth gripped her hand.

  “With Mr. Wickham.” She hung her head, her eyes still closed.

  Elizabeth controlled her emotions. “What exactly happened, Georgiana?” She stared at her earnestly.

  “It was at Ramsgate.” She looked at Elizabeth’s worried face and then down at her twisting hands. “We were walking along the beach one morning, very early. Mrs. Younge said that it would be fine for us to walk without her, she seemed to encourage it.” She paused then took a deep breath. “There was an area where great piles of rock formed a kind of secluded room, and he led me there. We sat down together in the sand, and he told me wonderful, sweet things, how pretty I was, and how I made him feel. He kissed me, and it felt so good. He put his arms around me, and it was so warm. He just kept touching me and kissing me, and he asked me to kiss him back and touch him because it would make him happy. I did.

  Then somehow we were lying next to each other and kissing some more. I felt him fumbling a little with his hands, but I was so overwhelmed with the feeling of his kisses that I did not think too much about it. I felt a breeze around my legs, but I could not see them, because he was lying so close that I could not move. I said that I was cold, and he said that he would warm me, and the next thing I knew, he was laying on top of me, and I felt something hard poking at me over and over. He was grunting, and moving, and I asked what was wrong, and he said that he was in pain, and only my kisses would make him feel better. So I put my arms around his neck and kissed him more. I did not wish to disappoint him. I felt that hard object poking into my leg, and then he groaned so loud, and I felt something wet. He was shaking, and I asked if he was still in pain, and he said no, he was better. He said that some seaweed was on my leg, and he took his handkerchief and wiped it off. Then he straightened his clothes and told me I was beautiful and he could not wait to marry me. We walked back up to the cottage, and he said he would see me the next morning, and maybe we could kiss the same way again. That did not happen because William arrived that afternoon.” She paused, looking at the astonished countenance of her sister. “After Aunt Elaine talked to me, I started thinking about what happened. Did Mr. Wickham and I, did we, am I . . .”

  Elizabeth pulled herself together and looked into her wide innocent eyes. “No, Georgiana, Mr. Wickham did not violate you, but he certainly tried.” She squeezed her hand. “Did you ever feel that hard object enter you? Did you feel any pain at all?”

  She shook her head. “No, it was on my leg. That was where the wetness was, too.”

  “Thank God.” Elizabeth held her hand and looked straight into her eyes. “You did not experience what happens between a man and his wife. Mr. Wickham tried, but thankfully, failed.” She closed her eyes. How naïve she was! And how could she have allowed him to touch her, let alone raise her skirts! Did nobody ever speak to her before, of maidenly comportment if nothing else? She knew that William would have, in his own awkward way. But coming from a man, a very shy man at that, it was obviously ineffective, but surely her governess or her aunt, or even that school she attended . . . she looked back into her questioning eyes and squeezed her hand, how alone this girl was without a mother or sister to guide her. Wickham was obviously a master at seduction to have convinced her to follow him so easily. “You may talk to me about this anytime, Georgiana, but your brother must never ever know about it.” She could not begin to imagine William’s reaction, his guilt and subsequent rage would be terrible to behold.

  “That was not love, was it Elizabeth?” Georgiana said quietly, watching carefully Elizabeth’s emotional face.

  “No, that was the farthest thing from it.” She held her hand tightly.

  Georgiana listened. She saw how changed William was, and how he was smiling and so relaxed around Elizabeth. It had to be the result of their love. “Elizabeth? How do you know if you are in love?”

  She regarded her new sister with caution, afraid to hear what else she was to reveal. “Why do you ask, Georgiana?”

  Georgiana looked at her, biting her lip. “I have been receiving some attentions from a man, and after what happened with Mr. Wickham, I am afraid that I do not trust my judgment.”

  “What kind of attentions?” Elizabeth asked, fearing the worst, and wondering how the Colonel and her aunt and uncle could have missed them.

  “Oh, nothing overt, I assure you, he just. . .” She smiled; a faraway look in her eyes. “He comes to church and always seems to find me; and smile, and sometimes I see him outside of Matlock House, gazing at the windows, and we did meet once at the milliner’s, and Aunt Elaine invited his mother to come and call.”

  Relieved that this was not what she feared, she asked, “What did your aunt think of him?”

  “She told him that I was not yet out, but she seemed to like him. I was not there when his mother called, but Aunt Elaine said that Mrs. Carrington was a very kind lady.”

  “Mrs. Carrington? Is this young man Alex Carrington?” Elizabeth asked, stunned.

  “Yes! When he saw us in the milliner’s shop, he had to reintroduce himself to me. I had not seen him for so long. But he said that he had just come from seeing you here.” Her eyes were bright with excitement. “He is ever so handsome!”

  “He is also ever so much older than you, Georgiana.” Elizabeth said pointedly, while wondering what exactly her new brother was thinking. He would be inheriting a sizable estate, and was very eligible. Why would he be interested in such a young girl? He did not strike her as mercenary, and he certainly would not be a friend of William’s if he were not honourable.

  Georgiana sighed. “I know. I will not be out for another nine months, or at least, that is when I will be presented at court. It seems silly to have to wait so long.”

  “Georgiana, did we not have a talk about behaving as an adult?” Elizabeth’s mind was working rapidly. She needed to reign in this enthusiasm before Alex himself arrived at Netherfield and she had a chance to speak to William.

  “You mean; I should not be mooning over Mr. Carrington, Elizabeth?” She looked at the ground. “But, how should I be feeling? He does seem to make an effort to gain my attention.”

  “Yes, and he should know better. I will have a talk with your brother, and he will be speaking to Mr. Carrington about his behaviour as well. It is not at all proper, and even if it is done in innocence, as I sincerely hope it is, it must be stopped until you are out, and he has sought your brother’s consent.” What on earth is this about?

  “What does love feel like, Elizabeth? How do I know that what I am feeling is love or just infatuation?”

  Elizabeth sighed, wondering how to answer such a question. “Georgiana, there is no one description for love. I think that the definition for every person is as different as they are. What I can tell you is that for me, it is a feeling of regard, esteem, trust, safety, wholeness, desire, happ
iness, and joy that I feel with and for your brother, a feeling that is with me always. Add to that the desire to care for him, see to his needs and fulfil his dreams, and the deep wish to share these things and experiences together. It is very complex.” She looked at the young girl’s furrowed brow. She was obviously reviewing her every encounter with Alex, and measuring him to Elizabeth’s ideal. “Do your feelings for him, whatever they are at this point, extend beyond the transitory moments when you are in his presence?” She asked her gently.

  “I think about him when he is not there. Is that what you mean?” Georgiana studied her, trying to understand.

  “Yes and no.” Trying to describe such a deep and powerful emotion was difficult. “Do you feel that he is necessary for you to . . .” She struggled for the words. Breathe? No, that is too dramatic, no matter how true it was. Finally settling on something, she said, “To feel complete?”

  “I do not know. I do not know what that means.”

  “Then you are not ready for this kind of love, Georgiana. You are very young. Do not be in a hurry. If Mr. Carrington is truly interested in you, he will wait. But there are nine long months before you are out, and I sincerely doubt that your brother will allow any man to court you before you finish your first Season, so that means that you must wait just over a year before anything can come of this. Please do not overwhelm yourself with thoughts of a man who may not be waiting for you a year from now. There is no need to be hurt. There is plenty of time.”

  SINCE THE ENCOUNTER at the millinery shop, Alex found himself spending an inordinate amount of time in the vicinity of Matlock House. He would find excuses to walk or ride past, sometimes stopping to stare up at the windows, hoping for a glimpse of a blonde head. He followed the family one Sunday morning, and since then, he attended their church, always making a point of greeting the party and taking hope from the blush that overspread Georgiana’s face. He noticed that she began seeking him out in the crowded pews, and the expression of content that came over her face once her eyes found his. She was so young. He knew that, and sometimes he thought he was the greatest fool for engaging in this pursuit. It would be a very long wait before she was out, and there was still Darcy to contend with.

  He was greatly surprised and pleased to receive an invitation to Jane and Bingley’s wedding. He was grateful that Bingley did not hold his past attention to Jane against him. It felt good to be so accepted as part of a larger family. He dearly loved his parents, but he did admit to some sense of loneliness being an only child. He decided to accept the invitation to stay at Netherfield, and wondered if Miss Darcy would be there, and if he should speak to her brother. His mother did pay a call to Lady Matlock some weeks earlier, and though she was quite nervous about it, she said that she survived the experience unscathed. The Lady was curious, and took care to mention that her niece would not be coming out for nearly a year. Amanda took the news as she knew it was meant to be conveyed, to warn her son both of Miss Darcy’s age and unavailability for quite some time, and to perhaps rethink his interest.

  Since he was only to be at Netherfield one night, he decided to ride and pack his things for the two days in several saddlebags to be pressed into presentable clothing by the servants. In a matter of hours, he arrived to the warm welcome of his host.

  “Alex! Welcome to Netherfield!” Bingley exclaimed as he strode across the foyer. “We are so pleased that you could accept our invitation.” He reached out and wrung his soon-to-be brother’s hand.

  “I was very gratified to receive it, Bingley. How is your fair bride?” He smiled at the man’s irrepressible joy.

  “She is lovely as always. Of course, she is also knee-deep in wedding preparations! Thankfully she now has Elizabeth and Miss Darcy to aid her.” He grinned.

  “Ah, Miss Darcy is here!” His heart jumped. “I thought that your aunt and uncle were to take her to Matlock, Darcy?” He said as he shook his friend’s hand.

  “That was the original plan, however, we have a family illness to attend, and they were unable to leave London. My cousin delivered her here yesterday before returning to town this morning.” He looked grave.

  “An illness? Nothing too serious, I hope?”

  “My cousin Anne.”

  “Oh, I am so sorry.” Alex knew of Anne de Bourgh’s ill health. “Is there hope?”

  Darcy shook his head. “Not this time, I am afraid. We may still go to Kent. I am waiting for word from my Uncle Matlock on what course we will take.” He sighed. “In the meantime, I think that you will enjoy your time here much better than the last trip.”

  “Really? The last trip was for your wedding, almost, anyway.” He grinned.

  “You will be pleasantly surprised with Mr. Bennet.” He smiled at him.

  “Truly? Has he changed?” Alex glanced at Bingley.

  “Dramatically.”

  “I would certainly like to hear about this.” Alex was curious; perhaps he might have a relationship with his birth father after all.

  DARCY WAS PACING. Elizabeth and Georgiana were to return from Longbourn in time for tea, and they should arrive soon. He needed to talk to his wife, his conversation with Alex concerned him greatly. After the gentlemen had joined Hurst for a few rounds at the billiards table, Alex took Darcy aside and asked that they have a private conversation. The two men entered the library, and settled into some chairs near the unlit fireplace.

  “Well, Alex, what can I do for you? I think that I have told you all that I can about Mr. Bennet. You will just have to assess him for yourself and proceed from there.” Darcy smiled slightly at his friend.

  “No, this is not about Mr. Bennet.” He took a breath and plunged in. “It is about Miss Darcy.”

  “Georgiana?” Darcy sat up straight and leaned forward, concern etched his face. “What exactly are you talking about, Alex?”

  Swallowing, he began. “I think that I am developing a tender regard for Miss Darcy.” He flinched when he saw the rapid change in Darcy’s expression.

  “And how exactly has this come to pass? She is not yet out!” He demanded.

  He rushed to give him his explanation. “Nothing sinister, I assure you, Darcy! I merely encountered her in a shop one day when she was out with your aunt, and reintroduced myself to her. I found her lovely and charming, and since then, I have endeavoured to attend the same church service as she, and to greet her when we meet. Truly, nothing more than that, I would never do anything to harm her! Your aunt asked me to tell my mother to call on her, and she did.”

  Darcy’s face was red with anger. “She did? And what was the result of this meeting? Are you engaged?” He snarled.

  “Darcy! How can you say such a thing! My mother tells me that your aunt was very direct, and said that Georgiana was not out, was very young, and that it would be at least a year before she was available to be courted.” He was trying hard to appease his very unhappy friend.

  Relieved that his aunt had shown some sense, but angry that she had not bothered to inform him of any of this, he sat back a little in the chair. He regarded the very flustered face of his friend. “So, what is it that you want, Alex? My aunt is quite correct. Georgiana will not be available for courtship for a year. She is eleven years your junior. Perhaps you should reconsider this, because I assure you, she will not be allowed any early opportunities to be with you.” He thought of Wickham. No, there was no chance at all for that circumstance to ever be repeated.

  “I realize the age difference, Darcy, but there is something about her, a gentleness, a sweetness, and she is so very well educated that she would surely never be the same as the women of the ton who only think of the newest dress or piece of gossip. I want a woman who will keep me on my toes.” He smiled. “I think that under the influence of Elizabeth, she will, in a year’s time, be quite remarkable. I think that I am willing to wait. I just want to tell you of my interest now, before every other young man arrives to beat down your door.” He took a breath, he had said his piece, and waited.

&n
bsp; Darcy sat staring at him. He had no doubt at all that what he said was true, under Elizabeth’s guidance; Georgiana would be an entirely different person in a year’s time. “Alex, I had been hoping to avoid conversations with likely suitors for quite some time. I know you and your circumstances, and there is nothing wanting. I cannot reject you out of hand for anything except perhaps your age.” He paused, weighing his words. “I will tell you this. I do not want you approaching her without a family member present, and no overt displays of interest may be made to her until she is out. At that time, if you are still interested, I will invite you to whatever affairs we hold for her, and will be sure that you are on her dance card. I will attend to her reaction to you very closely. You are a good man Alex, but you will have to wait.”

  He nodded. It was more than he expected, and could not argue with Darcy in any way, if anything he was grateful. “Thank you, Darcy. I will adhere to your conditions. I will behave in a completely gentlemanly manner whenever I am in her presence, and will not speak to her during this visit without someone else being present.”

  Darcy stood. He held out his hand and Alex gratefully took it. “If you are patient, perhaps we will become closer brothers than we already are. I make no promises.” Alex nodded, and they left the room. Darcy departed to wait for Elizabeth outside and Alex went to his rooms.

  The coach arrived, and Georgiana went upstairs to her bedchamber. Elizabeth met Darcy and was ready to follow her example. The exhausting conversation with Georgiana about Wickham and Alex had left her drained. All she could think about was an intense desire to lie down, preferably in her husband’s arms.

  “Lizzy.” Darcy kissed her hand. “Please, could you take a walk with me? I need to talk with you.”

  She saw the distress in his face, and put her own exhaustion aside. But she did have a request. “I need to talk with you as well, William, but could we perhaps find a comfortable place to sit and have our discussion? I am afraid that I just have not the strength for a long walk.”