Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Elizabeth looked down and nodded. “It was not long. I hardly believed it myself, but my aunt told me the signs to watch for, and they were all there, until. . .” She could not go on and buried her face in her hands.

  Mrs. Reynolds embraced Elizabeth, and she finally stopped denying the truth and cried. It was at that moment that Darcy came into the room, having finished speaking with Mr. Regar and hoping to see Elizabeth before returning to answer correspondence. Seeing his wife sobbing in his housekeeper’s arms, he immediately came forward, and knelt by the chair.

  “Lizzy, what is wrong?” He begged, staring from her to Mrs. Reynolds.

  “I think that Mrs. Darcy needs to talk with you, sir.” Mrs. Reynolds gently pushed Elizabeth away from her, and was immediately replaced by Darcy. She quietly left the room, turning to look at the embraced couple before closing the door behind her.

  “Lizzy?” Darcy had gathered her in his arms and carried her to a large wing chair by a window, and settled her in his lap. “Darling, please tell me what is wrong. You have been so sad for so long, and I have been at a loss as to what has made you this way. Please do not shut me out.” He held her tightly, kissing her head and stroking her back. Elizabeth’s sobs faded but she kept her face buried in his shoulder. He could barely hear her soft, broken voice.

  “I am so sorry, William. It seems that my sadness and need for more sleep and less food was for a reason. I was with child.” She ended in a whisper.

  Darcy at first did not hear her say “was” and began to rejoice. Then the truth hit him. “You are no longer with child?” He asked softly, embracing her. He felt her head shake. “This explains your courses.” He left it at that and kissed her.

  “Should I have told you my suspicions?” She asked in a small voice.

  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Some part of me says yes, and the rest is grateful that you did not.” He was saddened by the loss, but he knew that he would have been devastated if he had known of the pregnancy.

  “I listened to my aunt’s advice to not say anything until I felt movement. I never did. Somehow, it did not feel real to me. I know that I had symptoms, my eating and sleepiness you noticed, and there were other things that only I could feel, but . . .” She paused, thinking. “I suppose that I did not allow myself to become attached to the idea of being a mother until I was sure, until I could share it with you.”

  “Perhaps that will help both of us. Since neither of us truly knew. . .” He was at a loss.

  Elizabeth turned in his embrace. She saw sadness but mostly she saw his concern for her. She stroked his face and he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. They both were well aware that miscarriage was common; childbirth often carried risk, and death for the baby or mother not unusual.

  She kissed him, and his eyes opened, staring deeply into hers. “We will try again, my love.”

  “When you are well, in body and spirit. I shall await your call.” He ran his fingers through the curls at her neck.

  “Do you wish to know next time? As soon as I suspect?”

  “As soon as you are convinced, I wish you to tell me, whenever it occurs. I wish us to face all things together.”

  She snuggled into his chest, pressing her ear to hear his steady heartbeat. “So it shall be.” She wrapped her arms around him, safe in his embrace, and so glad that he knew.

  THE GARDINER’S CARRIAGE rolled into Pemberley and the astonishment on the faces of the occupants would undoubtedly make its owner proud. Even Mrs. Gardiner, who had seen the estate once before in the winter, was awed by the stunning natural beauty that the grounds and house displayed. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana were all waiting outside of the house to greet them.

  Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes swept up and down her niece’s form, and she saw no visible signs of the pregnancy, but when her gaze rested on her face she saw beneath the smile evidence of tears in her red, puffy eyes. She quickly glanced at Darcy, and saw the same sadness on his face. She had a sinking feeling that she knew what was behind it, but would wait to ask. Instead, she drew Elizabeth into a particularly loving embrace. “You look lovely my dear, you bring even more beauty to this extraordinary estate.”

  Darcy was standing by, watching them, and took Elizabeth’s hand. “I could not agree with you more.”

  They whisked their guests into the house, and up to their rooms with the agreement to meet again in an hour for tea. Elizabeth laughingly volunteered to guide them to the proper room, as she assured them, they would surely be lost otherwise.

  “Well, Aunt, tell me the news from Longbourn! I have had no letters of late.” Elizabeth was seated next to her aunt, pouring out the tea.

  “You have had no letters because I have been charged to bring them with me. They are in my luggage; I will bring them to you once it is all unpacked.” She smiled at Elizabeth’s eagerness. “But as to the news, let me see. Well, your father and mother’s antics continue to surprise and confound your sisters and the neighbourhood in general. They have taken to strolling down the lanes after dinner, and have been seen stealing an occasional kiss in the process.” She smiled at Elizabeth’s wide eyes. “There is even some mention of them going to London for a short visit to take in the theatre, perhaps after Lydia’s wedding.”

  “That would be an enormous sacrifice of Father’s to do such a thing.” Elizabeth shook her head, and looked at Darcy. “He despises London, too many people, too much noise. He likes a very controlled, quiet atmosphere.”

  “In that we have something in common. I like London for the occasional cultural performance, but would much prefer to spend my life right here with you.”

  The Gardiners exchanged smiling glances. “Well, Lizzy, I think that you will be pleased to hear this bit of news, your father has decided to send Kitty to a finishing school, hoping to remove Lydia’s influence from her behaviour. He wished to send Mary as well, but she has no desire to go. I have a feeling that she will be the child that will stay at home with her parents forever, just when they are hoping to rid themselves of all their children and be alone!” Mr. Gardiner laughed.

  “Kitty to school! That is extraordinary! I wonder who my sister will be when she comes away from it.” She looked to Georgiana. “What did you think of school? I never attended, so I cannot even imagine what she will encounter there.”

  Georgiana, still shy in company, saw her sister’s encouraging smile and drew breath. “I did not enjoy school at all, Elizabeth. I liked my friends, of course, and being with other girls, but sometimes they can be so mean, especially the ones from titled families. The daughters of peers are quite cruel sometimes. They were very much concerned with class. I am afraid that your sister may be in for a difficult time if she is not sent to the best school for her.” She looked at Darcy.

  “Yes, as much as the Darcy name is admired for being very old and wealthy, we are not titled. I will be happy to advise your father on which school to choose, as we certainly reviewed a great many of them when finding the best for Georgiana. I think that you did learn a great deal from the experience, but as I hated being sent away as a child, I can certainly understand your lack of enthusiasm. In that, dear sister, we are very much alike.” He smiled at her.

  “I think that Papa would appreciate your help, William, thank you.” Elizabeth was encouraged by his willingness to communicate with her father, at least on Kitty’s behalf. The distance between them was great, and likely would remain forever, but at least he was willing to behave civilly with him.

  “Now, as to Lydia, she returned to Brighton, of course, to be near her Lieutenant Denny. She remains with the Forsters, and I understand that she is becoming very impatient waiting for her wedding day. I have an uncomfortable feeling that she may simply demand a trip to Gretna Green from the man!”

  Elizabeth stared at her aunt in astonishment. “She would not! Elope? When a wedding is already being planned?”

  “Lizzy, you know how impetuous your sister is, especially now when she has comple
ted all of her shopping for her wedding clothes, she has nothing left to look forward to but the wedding, and almost two months of waiting will be impossible for her. Perhaps it would be a blessing for all that she has her way in this.”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes, ashamed at the truth of her aunt’s words. “Let us hope that Mr. Denny has the good sense and willpower to outlast my youngest sister.” She looked up to Darcy, who had his lips pressed together tightly. He would not discuss his true feelings about Elizabeth’s sisters in front of anyone but her, and alone. “Now, tell me some happy news, are Jane and Charles well?”

  “Oh yes, they are as happy as larks, both always smiling, never a complaint. Jane is always calm and serene, and Charles is exuberant and laughing. It is quite extraordinary. Of course, it is early days in the marriage; it is difficult to believe that one of them might not eventually find something to frown about.”

  “You have been friends with Charles for years, William, have you ever seen him unhappy?” Elizabeth smiled up at him. Darcy started; the mention of Denny took him back to their conversation at Bingley’s wedding. He refocused on his amused wife.

  “Yes, I know that is difficult to believe, but it has happened, however, it is generally associated with the actions of his sisters more than anything.”

  “That I can believe!” Georgiana exclaimed, and quickly clapped her hand to her mouth. “Oh, I am so sorry!”

  “Never apologize for speaking the truth, Georgiana, but perhaps, be sure of your companions before you do!” Elizabeth laughed, and the rest joined in.

  IT WAS NOT UNTIL the next day when Mrs. Gardiner found a few minutes alone with Elizabeth, and they had the chance to quickly discuss her symptoms. The aunt sadly confirmed what the niece suspected. She had miscarried. Elizabeth felt that she had no tears left to cry, but she managed to find them anyway, and let down the happy mask she had been wearing. Mrs. Gardiner held her and related her own experiences, and it helped Elizabeth to know that she was not alone. Before they could speak further, Georgiana joined them, and seeing Elizabeth’s teary face, grew concerned.

  “Elizabeth are you well? Has something happened?” She asked anxiously.

  Elizabeth had no intention of telling her about the miscarriage, so she quickly created an excuse. “I am quite well, Georgiana, I assure you. My aunt and I were talking about some family history, and it just made me a little sentimental, that is all.” She looked up to her aunt for help.

  “Yes, Georgiana, I do not know if you have discerned this about your sister yet, but she is very soft-hearted. She hides it well, but she is quite easily moved.” She smiled at them both.

  “Oh, I know how soft-hearted she is. I have seen it when she thinks nobody is looking.”

  “What do you mean, Georgiana?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I have seen you when you are alone with William. I see the way that you smile at him, almost like a little game. He is in a dark mood, and you just keep smiling a little more and a little more, until he just cannot resist you and smiles back!” She laughed and looked at the now blushing countenance of her sister. “It is very sweet!”

  “Your brother is very sweet, Georgiana.” She said softly.

  “RICHARD!” I did not expect to see you! What brings you to town?” Lord Matlock rose from behind his desk and came to shake his son’s hand.

  “I accompanied Aunt Catherine, and I have some business to address while I am here.” He took a seat. “I have applied for a marriage license, and spoke to my solicitor about a settlement. Upon my return to Rosings, I intend to marry Kathleen.”

  Lord Matlock sat back, considering his son. “You just became engaged days ago, what is the rush?”

  “Life is short, Father. I have seen enough of it to know that truth for certain, and Kathleen, who was compelled to become a companion to survive, has seen more than enough herself. Neither of us ever really expected the chance to marry for love. I had the burden of being the second son, and she had the reality of no dowry or connections. We both faced the prospect of having to marry for necessity, if at all. I have been given this gift by Anne to be my own man, and she charged me to bring happiness back to Rosings. I think that it will honour her memory more than anything else I could ever do to marry a woman who I truly love and respect and fill that cold, tired estate with life.” Richard fixed his piercing blue eyes on his father, almost defiantly.

  A slow smile began to spread over Lord Matlock’s face. “Son, I am proud of you. I have been proud of you since you were a little rascal running about and poking me in the leg with your wooden sword.” The two men both grinned at the memory. “I want you to be happy, and if you and Miss Miller see no need to delay, than I do not either. You are hardly a babe, and she is certainly not a blushing lass in her first Season.”

  He chuckled. “No, at thirty, you could hardly call me a stuttering youth; I certainly know my own mind. And Kathleen, well, I do not believe that she ever had a Season, but at five and twenty, she certainly has the wisdom of her years, and I appreciate that so much more than I would some little girl.”

  “I have a feeling that you have not informed her of your plan, Son.” Lord Matlock’s eyes twinkled at him.

  Richard pursed his lips, failing at hiding his smile. “No, I intend to return to Rosings, and grab her hand to drag her down to that idiot Collins and marry her as soon as I arrive.”

  “Do you think that she will appreciate that? She might have had dreams of a grand affair for her nuptials. Believe me Son, a wife has a very long memory for the misdeeds of a husband, and she will find a way to extract her vengeance if she is crossed.” He raised his brow, and knocked lightly on his desk for emphasis.

  Richard laughed. “She is a feisty lady when you get her dander up. But no, I do not think she will mind. I told her the story of Darcy’s wedding, and she was very thoroughly impressed with it. I think that she admires Elizabeth greatly and cannot wait to meet her.”

  “I think that they shall be great friends, Richard. They are similar, although, I would say that Miss Miller is not quite as confident and bold as Elizabeth.” He smiled, remembering the arch of Elizabeth’s brow when she challenged him.

  “I look forward to seeing them together.” Richard smiled. He had never lost his deep admiration for Elizabeth, but he was grateful that he had found Kathleen before he allowed himself to act upon it, to the detriment of his relationship with Darcy. He was happy with his choice. Kathleen was very well suited for him, even more so than Elizabeth, and he was happy that he recognized it so quickly.

  “Well then, Son, perhaps you should mention this to your mother. I imagine that you will be returning to Rosings soon?”

  “Yes. I left a note for Collins that I wanted to purchase a license to marry, and to keep quiet about it. I will return tomorrow morning and plan to marry her by noon.” He was determined, but very happy.

  Lord Matlock rose, and shook his son’s hand. “Let us go and see your mother. I do not wish to miss her reaction.” They left, grinning, to go and face the Lady.

  Chapter 31

  “Jane.” Bingley was ready to broach the subject of moving north. They had just finally rid themselves of the Bennets who came to dine with them again that week, and despite the astonishing improvement in Mrs. Bennet, and the mellowing of Mr. Bennet, their company was not something that he had counted on as a daily occurrence after he wed. “I have been giving it some thought, when the lease for Netherfield is up, I will not renew.”

  “You will purchase it?” Jane asked, looking up from her sewing.

  “No.” He stood and paced a bit. “I would like to look elsewhere.” He shot her a glance. “I was thinking of Derbyshire, perhaps.”

  “Near Pemberley?”

  Eagerly, Bingley sat next to her. “Yes! Darcy sent me the particulars of several estates within a reasonable distance. I thought that we could look at them when we go to visit.”

  “We would be leaving Mama and Papa.” She said quietly, thinking that would be g
ood.

  Bingley worried that she was upset. “But you will be close to Elizabeth again.”

  She looked at his anxious face. “Charles are you under the impression that I am against this idea?”

  He searched her eyes. “You are not?”

  “No, I am quite ready to live in peace, without the constant intrusion of my family.”

  He grabbed her hands and kissed them. “Oh Jane, thank you!”

  “I did not realize that you felt the same way I do.”

  “Perhaps I was afraid of upsetting you.” He looked at her cautiously, regretting his effusions.

  “Perhaps we should speak our minds instead of trying to pretend all is well to maintain peace.” Jane was amazed at the sudden revelation.

  “Do you think that Darcy and Elizabeth have this problem?” He shook his head, and hugged her. “No. I doubt that there is a single subject that is left unsaid between the two of them.”

  Jane’s arms tightened around him. “Their marriage seems so . . .” She paused, afraid to voice the thought.

  “Different from ours?” Bingley asked, finally saying what was on his mind.

  “Yes.” She said softly. “You have noticed it as well?”

  “Yes. It seems so intense. But they are two very intense people. We are . . .”

  “Peace loving?” She suggested tentatively.

  He smiled. “I suppose so. I was always the peacemaker between my sisters. I suspect that you had the same role with your family.”

  Jane smiled back. “Yes, you can imagine, no you do not have to imagine it, you have lived it. My family can be rather . . .”

  “Exuberant?”

  “Yes.” She blushed. “Although it is quieter without Lydia and Lizzy there.”

  “And which sister had the greater share in the disruption of the peace?”

  “Oh Lydia by far! Lizzy would say her piece and disappear into the woods!” They laughed and she said quietly, “I miss her so much.”