Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “Yes! Mrs. Collins, Charlotte, has spoken very fondly of you.” She smiled, now having some common ground.

  “She is my dearest friend besides my sister, Jane. If you and Richard can stay longer, you will meet my sister. She and her husband will be arriving in four days.”

  “I am not sure. We were expecting to stay with you for two days and continue our journey home. I will have to see what Richard wants to do.” She looked over to her husband fondly. Elizabeth caught her gaze.

  “He is a very good man. I am so happy that he found love.” She smiled at the surprised look on Kathleen’s face. She laughed. “I married for love myself. I have heard that the story of your wedding rivals mine!” They both laughed. “How are you settling into Rosings? The house is similar in size to Pemberley, and I know how completely overwhelmed I felt when I first arrived here as Mistress.” She smiled at her encouragingly.

  “I think that overwhelmed does not even touch how frightening it was, and still is. Suddenly the staff was coming to me for answers, and I have no experience at all with operating a household. I am afraid that I have been quite a failure.”

  “I am sure that is quite wrong. Do you not have a housekeeper? Surely she can teach you what is required. I sincerely doubt that Lady Catherine was that involved in the daily operation of the household.”

  “You know the lady well.”

  “We have had some conversations.”

  “So I have heard.” The ladies looked at each other, lips twitching, and burst into laughter. From there they sat and discussed the trials of suddenly becoming Mistress of a mansion. Lady Matlock and Georgiana watched them with great enjoyment.

  Darcy and Richard both looked up from their conversation with Lord Matlock at the sound of their wives’ gaiety and grinned. “I knew they would like each other.” Richard said.

  Smiling, Darcy declared, “I think, gentlemen, that we have just witnessed the birth of a friendship.”

  THAT AFTERNOON, Lord Matlock asked if he could have a few moments with Darcy. They entered his study and Lord Matlock closed the door behind him.

  “Please take a seat, Uncle. Would you care for some brandy?”

  “No, thank you.” He regarded his nephew closely. He was struggling to find the words to begin the conversation. It was Darcy who guessed the subject of his distress. “I read father’s letter.”

  Lord Matlock sighed. “Am I so easily read?”

  “No, but we have not had the opportunity to discuss it. Much has happened in the intervening time.”

  “So it has. We were devastated to hear of Wickham’s attack.” Seeing Darcy’s surprise he smiled slightly. “Certainly you did not expect Richard to keep that to himself, did you?” Darcy shook his head. He should have known better. “Elizabeth seems well.” He stated quietly.

  “Yes, it took some time, but we recovered.” He paused, deciding. “Then we lost our first baby.” He said sadly, telling the news for the first time.

  Lord Matlock looked at him, concern and grief in his expression. “When did this occur? Georgiana said nothing of it.”

  “We did not tell her.” He paused. “It was at the end of July. We . . . lost our way for a time. Our honeymoon was planned to help us start over again.” Then smiling slightly, he said, “It has been a great success, I think.”

  His uncle smiled and came over to clasp his shoulder. “Darcy, I can honestly say that I have never seen a couple more in love than the two of you, and that includes your own parents.”

  Darcy’s face brightened. “I imagine that we are quite the oddity.”

  “Revel in it, Son. Make the world jealous!” Lord Matlock grinned.

  “Yes sir, with pleasure.” Darcy smiled and easily imagined Elizabeth standing by his side just then.

  He let out a breath, “Now, as to your father. . .”

  Darcy interrupted. “Sir, I have determined there is nothing to be done, so I will not dwell upon it. I cannot excuse or understand my father’s behaviour or his reaction to the situation.”

  Lord Matlock seemed surprised. “This comes from Elizabeth’s influence?”

  “I imagine in a way it does.” He smiled, realizing the power his wife held over him.

  “Do you have any questions?”

  Darcy spoke the one thought that had been nagging at him. “I always thought of Father as a sensible man. Surely he must have calculated that Wickham was born less than nine months after he had . . . the encounter with his mother. Why did he immediately jump to the conclusion that he was the father?”

  Lord Matlock shook his head ruefully. “I asked him the same question. He simply could not imagine that Wickham’s mother had been with another man. He just assumed the baby came early. He was so ready to assume the worst.”

  “He had never been confronted with the consequences of his habits before.” Darcy said thoughtfully.

  “That is very true. Few men are. I do know that he did not renew such activity until he married my sister.”

  “I am glad that I waited for my Elizabeth.” Darcy said softly.

  He again felt his uncle’s hand on his shoulder and looked up. “What the two of you have endured in such a short time would have broken any other couple. I do not know if my own marriage would have survived it. Perhaps now, after years of building our trust and learning of each other, but when we started out, we did not love with the strength you and Elizabeth seemed to have found so quickly. Watching the two of you weather these storms has helped us to accept your choice. We hoped for a love match, but we did not expect you to marry so far below yourself, however we abided by your father’s desires, and are glad that we did. Your aunt and I had a marriage of convenience, and fortunately it grew into love. Your own parents were the same way.”

  Darcy was surprised. “They were? But I was under the impression that they were deeply in love.”

  “They were, but it was not that way from the beginning. Their marriage was as much a business transaction as mine was. They were fortunate, very fortunate, to find quickly that they were perfect for each other. Nonetheless, your father always expected you to follow that same path and choose your bride in the normal, dispassionate way that all other members of our circle did. It was not until he learned of the truth of Wickham’s paternity that he changed his attitude, although he had always regretted the way he treated you.”

  “But if he knew the value of a love match from his own marriage, why would he not always wish that for me?” He leaned on his desk, his arms folded, staring with confusion at his uncle.

  Lord Matlock moved to lean against the desk by his side. “Son, there are so many rules governing the way society behaves. You know that. I know it was pounded into you as thoroughly as I told my sons. He could not go against them. You are a far stronger man than either one of us.”

  Darcy’s brow furrowed. “How so?”

  “You have married with your heart, and because of it, you showed society that you can live without them. Instead of shunning you, I have it on good authority that you are being actively sought out because your favour is deemed as a rare commodity.” The men glanced back at his desk, piled high with invitations for Elizabeth to sort through. “It takes a rare and brave man to be willing to risk the ill favour of his entire world for something as seemingly silly as love.”

  Darcy nodded his head, understanding now, but still surprised. “In all honesty, I do not think I could have done such a thing for anyone but Elizabeth. I do find it hard to believe that she will be universally accepted by the ton, but I am happy to know that despite her status, she has been accepted by you.”

  A soft knock at the door prevented the Earl’s reply. Upon Darcy’s call, it opened and Elizabeth peeked in. “Excuse me gentlemen, but tea is ready, would you care to join us?” She came into the room, and to her surprise, Darcy took her hand and kissed it. She smiled up at him. “What was that for?”

  Darcy looked to his uncle. “Sir, would you excuse us for a moment?”

  He ch
uckled. “I was just on my way.” He bowed and walked out, then returned to pull the door closed behind him, grinning to see Elizabeth already firmly encased in Darcy’s arms.

  “NO!!!” Richard sat straight up, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding, his eyes wild, staring around the unfamiliar dark chamber. Kathleen’s hand touched his arm and he almost leapt away from her.

  “Richard.” She said softly. Over the short weeks since their marriage, she had come to know his frequent nightmares and was gradually learning how to comfort him. And though she truly regretted Lady Anne’s passing, she could not regret anything that would have ended her husband’s chances to ever return to the battlefield.

  Richard took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He rubbed his hands over his face, and then looked down at Kathleen, who sat up next to him, now embracing his waist. “I did it again.”

  She nodded. “Do you remember it at all? Perhaps if you talk it out, the memory will be less powerful and leave you to rest.”

  He shook his head. There were so many horrific images, men dead, other men blown apart yet writhing in agony, green fields stained red with blood, blood from men in both uniforms. Sometimes it was the image of children, alone and crying for a parent who was missing. Sometimes it was the image of a guillotine doing its work and the frenzy of the crowds. Sometimes it was the moans and empty rattle of a cot aboard the returning ship, a cot that moments before carried a living wounded man, and now bore more waste. Tonight it was Wickham upon Elizabeth; it must be seeing her that brought this dream on. “It is all the same Katie, all violence, blood, death. I hate being so weak.” He stared down at his still-trembling hands.

  Kathleen squeezed him. “You are not weak Richard. You survived countless engagements, and led your men to safety time and again.”

  “Not all of them.” He said bitterly.

  “No, and you know full well that you cannot take responsibility for that.” She reached up and pushed his hair away from his face, then lightly traced an old scar on his arm.

  He relaxed with her touch. “Well that is one mark not earned from the French.” At her raised brow he wrapped his arms around her and settled back onto the pillows, pulling her tightly to him. “That scar is courtesy of my esteemed cousin.”

  “Mr. Darcy?” Kathleen said with surprise. Pleased to see his tension reduced, she encouraged him to talk. “What happened?”

  Richard regarded her. “I think you may call him William.” He smiled at her pursed lips, she very much felt herself still a lady’s companion, not the Mistress of Rosings. “My brother Mark and I were visiting here. Darcy was showing off his lately acquired fencing skills. He was thirteen mind you, not the master swordsman he is now, and I was facing him. Well, my brother decided to bait him, calling out insults to his skill, which naturally already outfoxed by his older cousin, set him on edge. He lost his concentration for a moment, and unfortunately my arm was in the way. I bled profusely, which infuriated his housekeeper and both of our fathers. I think all three of us received a sound thrashing.” He looked across the room, reflecting on it.

  “Why would your fathers be so angry? It was accidental, was it not?” Kathleen was indignant on his behalf.

  Richard chuckled at her angry face and kissed her. “Oh of course, Darcy would never hurt someone intentionally. I have only known that to happen once.” He thought of his cousin’s reaction to Wickham’s attack on Elizabeth, but even there, he was trying to protect her, although she was not present. His cousin’s passion for her was demonstrated again and again.

  “Then why?” Kathleen persisted.

  “They were afraid. Neither father wished to see their son injured. By reminding us of that so well, we learned not to unnecessarily provoke, and to maintain control when we were.”

  “It seems that advice would serve you well in later years.” She held him tightly. “That is something that helped you to survive.”

  He smiled at her. “I never thought of that. Perhaps.”

  “Do you feel guilty for surviving relatively unscathed, and now living in our grand home? Were your dreams this often before you resigned your commission?”

  “I had them, but no, not as often. I do not know.” His voice grew soft.

  She stroked back the hair that fell across his face. “Perhaps you feel safe now and can finally express the pain you have kept hidden away for so long.”

  “I do feel safe now Katie. I have you. I do love you, you know?” He looked at her sincerely.

  “I know, and I love you, Richard.” The two settled back down under the covers, and soon found themselves reaffirming their declarations.

  In another part of the house, a second couple lay embraced, relaxing in the glow of passion their own activities inspired. Darcy kissed the head that rested on his chest. “Thank you, Lizzy.” She lifted her head and smiled into his warm eyes.

  “And what have I done to garner your gratitude?”

  He caressed her face. “You have tolerated the arrival of my family with grace and good humour.”

  She laughed. “It is not difficult to be kind to such happy people, William.”

  “The Fitzwilliams generally are a jovial lot. Humour often allows my uncle to achieve goals in the House of Lords where a less-skilled man would fail, and I know it served Richard well in earning the loyalty of his troops.”

  “I wish they would stay longer. I would like to introduce Kathleen to Jane and Charles.”

  “What do you think of her?” Darcy asked innocently. He had continued his observation of Richard’s wife, and noticed more small similarities to Elizabeth. Her smile and good humour featured most prominently in his mind.

  “I like her. I think that she needs a friend, she is so nervous about being the Mistress of Rosings. She seems almost desperate for advice.” She kissed his chest and absentmindedly stroked his skin as she talked. Darcy closed his eyes, enjoying her touch. “I will definitely be writing to her, and Charlotte, to encourage their friendship.” She paused and added in a very soft voice, “If I was more insecure, I would have guessed that you felt strongly about her as well.”

  He took instant notice of those careful words and sat up, bringing Elizabeth with him. “Lizzy?” He put his fingers under her chin and lifted her head so that she would meet his concerned eyes. “Are you worried that I am attracted to Kathleen?”

  “You seem to look at her quite frequently.” Elizabeth looked down.

  Darcy closed his eyes and embraced her. “Oh sweetheart, I am sorry if I seemed odd. No, I am not attracted to her, I just . . . this is going to sound silly, but I was looking to see if there was a resemblance to you in her.”

  Relieved, Elizabeth let out the breath she had been holding and looked up. “Why would you wish to do that?”

  He laughed slightly. “Because I am a jealous fool. I know how attracted Richard was to you, and I remembered him comparing Kathleen to you when we saw him at Netherfield. I was afraid that he had purposely tried to marry your twin because he was unsuccessful at winning you.”

  “Oh Will, you are a silly jealous fool.” She reached up and caressed his blushing cheek. He turned and kissed her hand. “And what have you concluded?”

  “She does have similar qualities to you in appearance, but she does not have your confidence, your knowledge, your wit, your strength . . .”

  “In other words, she is her own person, and comparisons between the two of us are useless to make.” She gently kissed his lips.

  “I think Richard still has feelings for you.” He said a little defensively.

  “Perhaps he does. But he has found his bride, they seem happy together, and I am not at all interested in him other than as our cousin and friend, so what is the point of trying to see if I compare to Kathleen?”

  He sighed. “I just, oh Lizzy, I am a fool.”

  She hugged him, he was hopeless. She simply had to accept that he would be jealous of any man who ever entered her world, and that she would spend her life reassuring him. She smi
led into his chest. That was not such a bad duty.

  “Will, I want you to know; I am just as jealous as you.” His soft chuckle rumbled in her ear, he loved hearing that. She felt his arms hold her tighter, and his lips came to find hers. After a long satisfying kiss they looked into each other’s eyes and smiled.

  THE FAMILY GATHERED for tea the next afternoon and Lady Matlock approached Darcy. “I am very pleased with the improvement in Georgiana. She is gaining confidence in herself. She is not as shy and even attempted an argument with your uncle.”

  “Did she?” He said with surprise and looked across the room at his sister where she sat with Elizabeth and Kathleen. “On what subject, may I ask?”

  Lady Matlock smiled. “On the acceptable age difference between young ladies and their suitors.”

  Darcy’s brows went up. “I understand that you spoke to Alex Carrington and his mother.”

  “I did, and I apologize for not speaking to you of it. I wanted to assess his mother, and inform her that Georgiana was not yet out.”

  “When I learned of it, I was quite unhappy with you, but perhaps that was simply from receiving the shocking news of Alex’s intentions towards my little sister.”

  “She will always be a baby to you, as will any daughters you ever have.” She looked knowingly at him.

  “Yes.”

  “Your uncle told me.” She touched his arm. “I am sorry”

  He nodded, not willing to talk about it again. “I told Alex to keep his distance until Georgie comes out.”

  “I liked him, and yes he is older, but I think Georgiana needs that. With Elizabeth’s help, she will be magnificent at her presentation.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” He caught her eye. Elizabeth excused herself from the others and joined them. Darcy held out his hand and their fingers intertwined.

  “I have tried to convince your cousin to stay longer, but he insists he must away to Rosings. Some silly excuse about the harvest, I believe.” Her eyes twinkled up at him.