Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “Yes, he is quite the gentleman farmer now, is he not?” Darcy laughed, and raised her hand to his lips.

  “Are you two disparaging me?” Richard was up and joined them. “I am quite dedicated to my new position, you know.”

  Darcy cocked a brow. “Yes, quite, and what exactly are your tenants harvesting, Cousin?”

  Richard puffed out his chest importantly. “Some sort of edible plant, I would assume!”

  “Well with that outstanding knowledge, Pemberley will soon be put to shame by Rosings.” Darcy shook his head and met Elizabeth’s grin with one of his own.

  Richard looked between the two of them, “Give me time, Cousin, and I shall overtake you!”

  Darcy looked at him speculatively, “Is this a challenge, Richard? Has the gauntlet been thrown?”

  He was about to respond when Kathleen called out, “Richard! Please do not gamble away our home. I have just redecorated!”

  Shaking his head, he bowed to his wife. “Yes, my love.” He smiled at Elizabeth. “Tell me Mrs. Darcy, have you also learned the secret to ruining your husband’s fun?”

  “No sir, I create it!” She declared and looping her hand onto Darcy’s arm, smiled into his beaming face.

  Richard shook his head and looked with wonder at Darcy. He barely recognized this new man. He leaned to her and spoke softly, “Elizabeth, please let me take this opportunity to thank you for being so kind to Kathleen. She was very anxious to meet you. In truth, she is hoping to find in you a friend.”

  “Well I cannot imagine why she would be anything but my friend. We have so much in common and she is a very sweet lady. If you would stay longer, we could really come to know each other so much better than we will if we are only able to talk through letters.” She touched his arm. “Please stay.”

  He drew a breath, and glancing at Darcy, shook his head, “No, we truly must return to Rosings, but I promise we will come early for Christmas. Will that satisfy you?”

  She smiled. “I suppose it must.

  “Now then, may I steal your husband for a while?

  “Only if I may steal your wife!” She grinned.

  He laughed. “Done!”

  The men departed for the library and when settled before the fireplace with glasses of wine, Darcy nodded at him, “Well Richard, what can I do for you?”

  “This is probably not necessary from what I have observed, but Georgiana was quite worried about you and Elizabeth. She said that something was terribly wrong. You were not talking as you once were, but did not seem angry either. She said when confronted, you told her it was not her concern.”

  Darcy bristled, “That is true, what makes you think it is yours?”

  Richard knew him too well to be put off by his scowl. “Come on, Darcy, if there is a problem, you know you can trust me.”

  “Yes, I know, but not this time.” Richard kept staring at him and he sighed. “I must say I am surprised that you father has not told you already.” Seeing Richard’s expectant expression, he relented. “Elizabeth miscarried at the end of July. She withdrew from me, and I did not know what was wrong. Instead of sharing our pain and fears with each other, we kept them to ourselves and thought everything would resolve itself on its own. Georgie’s demand that I repair the problem forced me to action, hence the honeymoon, which led to our reconciliation and communication.” He tried to say it all dispassionately, but he could not hide the emotion in his eyes and voice.

  Richard’s face reflected his sorrow. “I had no idea. I am so sorry. Is everything well now? How much more must you both endure?”

  Darcy gave a short laugh, and then said softly, “We are well. I think we are even stronger than before, and I pray we will always be this way.” He drew a deep breath and let it out. “Enough of this. Tell me, how do you like marriage? Kathleen seems very happy, if a little nervous.”

  “I think we are both nervous. Marriage, Rosings, there are so many changes and new things to learn and understand. I envy you Darcy. Despite all you have experienced, what I see between you and Elizabeth is exceptional.”

  “You know as well as I do how extraordinary circumstances force maturation at an accelerated rate. You learned it in battle; I did the same when my father died. Elizabeth and I have experienced more in the last seven months than some couples face in a lifetime. We could either collapse or become the couple you see now. You will hopefully take the slower path as our parents did. I wish our experience on no one.”

  Richard nodded. There was nothing he could add to that statement. He instead changed the subject. “How do you like Kathleen? I noticed you watching her.”

  “Ha! So did Elizabeth!” He smiled. “She was jealous.”

  “No, really?” He grinned. “Do you like her?”

  Darcy saw his cousin’s need for his approval. “I do Richard, I truly do. Neither of us wished for a lady of the ton. We both found exactly what we needed in the countryside.”

  “Yes.” He said softly. Looking up to his cousin he confessed. “I am having nightmares again.”

  Concern crossed Darcy’s face and he leaned forward. “Frequently?”

  “Every few days. It is worsening, I think.”

  “You always had them upon returning from battle, could it be that being safe at Rosings, with Kathleen, you are able to dream of those painful things?”

  He shook his head. “That was Katie’s theory, but I do not wish to dream of it!”

  “It is the same dreams as before?” Darcy was the only one with whom Richard had ever shared this.

  “Essentially.” Richard knew better than to tell him of his dreams of Elizabeth.

  Darcy sat back and steepled his hands under his chin. “I know that after Wickham, Elizabeth and I both had terrible dreams each night. Gradually they faded away. Only when I am particularly worried do they return.”

  Richard nodded and asked intuitively, “Did they during your separation?”

  He laughed slightly and nodded. “Yes, for both of us.”

  “Perhaps it will be better then. Perhaps I just need to become accustomed to being safe. They always seemed to fade away towards the end of my leave.” He closed his eyes and said almost to himself, “If Katie was not there, I do not know what I would do.”

  Darcy smiled. “Now that is good to hear.” Richard looked up, seeing the relief that his subtle declaration of devotion brought. Darcy studied him for a moment. “Richard, I understand why you are leaving tomorrow. I hope someday you will be able to stay as you used to.”

  “Thank you.” He paused. “I do love Katie, and I am overjoyed she is my wife.”

  “You should be.” Darcy smiled and prodded him, “You should be grateful she would have you.” Richard smiled at the jab. Then becoming serious again, Darcy looked him directly in the eye. “You may love my Elizabeth as your cousin, but nothing more. Do you understand?” There was not a hint of humour in his voice.

  Richard took no offence with the quiet warning. “I do, and I do believe that is all I need.”

  “Oh believe it Cousin that is all you will ever have!” Darcy was still deadly serious, but this was delivered with a smile. The cousins were back on even ground.

  Early the next morning, the two carriages departed, one to Matlock, the other to Rosings. Married or not, Darcy was relieved to see his cousin go. What he did not know was Richard felt the same relief.

  Chapter 34

  Jane and Bingley arrived and Elizabeth was amused to see the size of her sister’s eyes when she stepped out of the coach. They flew into each other’s arms. “Lizzy! Oh how I have missed you!” She looked up at the mansion. “This is Pemberley. I cannot begin to say how beautiful it is. Your letters were detailed, but oh my, Mama would go distracted if she were here!”

  “Well thank heaven that she is not!” Elizabeth laughed. “We will see them soon enough. Come, let us go inside, you must want to change out of those travel clothes.” She turned to lead Jane into the house, leaving the neglected Charles standing wi
th the smiling Darcy. “Oh, and Charles, it is wonderful to see you, too.” Elizabeth smiled back at him.

  “Clearly, I am not the favoured guest, here.” Bingley laughed.

  “Do not fear Bingley, I am pleased to have your company.” Darcy shook his hand and the men followed the ladies indoors.

  Soon they were gathered together in a parlour, enjoying the great variety of refreshments laid before them. “I was looking forward to seeing Georgiana, Lizzy. Is she not at home?”

  “She is sitting for her portrait right now. She will join us very soon, I expect.” She looked at William and said teasingly, “I will be the next victim of the artist’s brush I fear. William insists on having my likeness put on canvas.”

  “Indeed I do, unfortunately, the artist I wish to employ has another commission to fulfil before he can create Elizabeth’s painting, so we will have to wait another month or so before he can begin.”

  “Is this someone different from who is painting Georgiana?” Jane asked.

  “Yes, I have thought quite long about it, and I have chosen an artist who I feel will be able to capture Elizabeth’s beauty to the best advantage.” His intent stare did not waver from his now blushing wife. “However, Georgiana’s master will paint several miniatures for me while he is here.”

  Still blushing, Elizabeth returned his steady look. “Yes, you see, he wishes to fill the halls with my image, so that he knows that I am watching him at every turn.” She smiled. “I have agreed on the condition that I receive a similar gift of his handsome face to keep near.”

  Bingley laughed, “Well, that is only fair! Now, tell us about this honeymoon you two finally took.”

  The two happily regaled them with the tale of their trip, and Darcy offered the cottage to the Bingleys to enjoy if they ever had the inclination. That brought them around to speaking of moving into the area, and they decided on a schedule for visiting the various estates that Darcy felt were suitable for Bingley to purchase, both in way of price, and in his ability to run profitably. Georgiana at last joined them, exhausted from the tedium of sitting still for the artist.

  “How much longer?” Elizabeth asked sympathetically, handing her a reinvigorating cup of tea.

  “He said one more day should be all he needs with me actually present. He will be able to take care of the finishing touches in his studio. I admit that I will be vastly pleased when the ordeal is over. I think Mrs. Annesley will be, too!” They laughed. “I suppose it is required to have a portrait painted for my coming out, I only wish it did not take so terribly long!”

  Elizabeth smiled ruefully at her. “I am not looking forward to my experience. You have much more patience than I for sitting still. I am afraid that sitting for hours on end with an artist will have me imagining all sorts of terrible mishaps that might befall the man so that I might escape his unwavering gaze.” Everyone laughed but Darcy, who was suddenly struck by her words.

  “You will not be sitting alone, my dear. I shall keep you company.” He said determinedly.

  “You will? Why would you do that? Surely you have better things to occupy your time?” She noted the change in his expression, but could not read it.

  “I will bring my work into the room and sit with you while you pose, Elizabeth.” There was a tone of finality in his voice. He saw her questioning brow and added, “I do not wish for you to be left in a room with a strange man staring at you all day, my love.”

  “I will be glad for your company, William.” She softly replied.

  Georgiana whispered loudly to Jane, “This is when they start staring at each other with great affection. I have learned that if I just start talking, eventually they will remember I am present and awaken from it.” She giggled. Elizabeth and Darcy both blushed, but smiled at each other, admitting their guilt.

  Bingley laughed. “I say, you two are almost as bad as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet!” He met Jane’s widened eyes. “Well, no, they do not display their affection quite so readily, but it is fascinating to watch, nonetheless.”

  Thus began a discussion of the inhabitants of Longbourn. Kitty had departed for her new school, chosen after Darcy wrote to Mr. Bennet and recommended several establishments that were more suited to a gentleman’s daughter not of the first circles. She would receive an excellent education, but it would be a more comfortable atmosphere. With Kitty out of the house, Mary was beginning to show signs of coming into her own at last. She was the only child, and enjoyed the attention of both parents. Mrs. Bennet was determined to marry her off, and had begun with forcing her to begin dressing in a more becoming manner.

  Amazed, Elizabeth asked, “Is it working, do you think, Jane?”

  “Well it has not been long, but I admit to being curious to see her upon our return.” She smiled. “We certainly tried for years to encourage her to change her appearance and habits, Lizzy; perhaps she was not ready until now.” Elizabeth nodded. Maybe there was hope for the middle sister after all.

  “How is Lydia faring? I have not had a word from her in weeks.”

  “Oh, she is driving Mrs. Forster to distraction! She complains constantly that she wants to be married right away. So far Papa has managed to discourage her, and kept her happy by sending a little money each week so she can add to her trousseau. Poor Mr. Denny. I wonder if he is rethinking his commitment.” The ladies shook their heads, and Darcy raised his brows to Bingley, who rolled his eyes.

  “And what of your family, Charles? How is your sister, Mrs. Hurst?” Elizabeth had come to a tolerable acceptance of his eldest sister; she at least had not obviously tried to come between her and William.

  “Well, Louisa and Hurst spent the summer at his parent’s estate in Surrey. They seem to have enjoyed themselves quite well. From what I understand, Hurst has cut his drinking significantly, and is returning to the man I knew when my sister was first being courted.”

  “That is wonderful news! What could have affected such a significant change?” Elizabeth was very curious to know.

  “I believe that it is the absence of my sister Caroline from Louisa’s life, I am sorry to admit. She was seemingly poisoning their relationship. Hurst took to drink to avoid her. With her gone, they are finding each other. It was always a marriage of convenience for both of them, but they were well suited, and always fond of each other. Not passionate, but fond.” He paused, considering the couple. “It is good to see them happy in their situation.”

  It was as strong a declaration of contentment that had ever been spoken of the Hursts, and the group took a moment to consider it.

  Georgiana innocently asked, “How is Miss Bingley? She was absent from your wedding, I never heard why. Is she well?”

  The sudden stillness of the room told Georgiana that something significant had happened with Miss Bingley, and she doubted that she would be told what it was any time soon. Bingley cleared his throat and sent an uncomfortable look at Darcy, who had a thundercloud gathering on his brow, remembering his last sight of Caroline running from his bedchamber after watching him loving Elizabeth.

  “Ah, Caroline.” He cleared his throat again. “She is in Scarborough with an aunt currently. She will be there for some time.” He looked at Darcy. Despite Jane’s declaration that he could not impose his troubles with Caroline upon Darcy, Bingley knew that he needed his friend’s counsel. He needed to talk to someone besides himself about it, but it would have to wait until the men were very much alone.

  DARCY AND BINGLEY went for a ride the next afternoon. They stopped on top of a hill, looking out upon the great sweep of land before them. “I can understand your pride for this, Darcy.”

  “We will soon find you your estate, Bingley. We have several very good possibilities to view.”

  “Yes.” He sighed.

  Darcy looked at his friend’s miserable face. “Out with it.”

  “Caroline.” Bingley said, glancing quickly at him.

  Darcy closed his eyes. “What is wrong?”

  “She keeps writing to me, asking m
e to beg you to allow her to apologize, to regain your favour. She has been completely cut from society in London. Even amongst the new money crowd. It seems even her dowry will not buy her favour in town.”

  “And this is my fault?” Darcy was indignant. “I am supposed to rescue her reputation? I did not create this, Bingley. She used me, my name, declared to society that I was hers, and I will not even mention that incident at Netherfield.”

  “I do not know what to do, she is my sister!”

  “I thought that you made a break from her, told her to establish her own home and live off of her income?”

  “I did.”

  Fighting an urge to shake some sense into him, Darcy cried, “She has used you for years. Do you not see this? She has created her situation, not you.” He sighed and looked at his friend. “What are you asking of me?”

  He took a breath. “Would you lift the ban of her using your name to enter social situations?”

  Incredulous, he stared at Bingley. “Absolutely not! Her behaviour would reflect upon my and Elizabeth’s reputations, Georgiana’s reputation, imply a relationship that does not exist, and create rumours about the viability of my marriage. No Charles. No.” He glared. “You are the head of your family. Act like it!”

  Nodding, resigned, he said, “There seems to be no hope for her in London.”

  “Then she will have to find her life elsewhere.” Darcy felt no remorse at all for his decision. Caroline had long ago lost his good opinion. “She is staying with an aunt of yours?”

  “Yes, my aunt Rachel.”

  “Have you written, asking of your sister’s behaviour? Is she improved?”

  “I have heard from her, and . . .” He sighed. “No, she is unrepentant. She is angry and blames her misfortune on . . .” He did not wish to say it.

  Darcy’s eyes bore into him. “On what?”

  “Elizabeth.”

  Incensed, Darcy reacted, “And you come to me asking for my forgiveness? To welcome her into society and I imagine into my home? No. If I was against it before, I am adamant now. No. Never. And if she comes to visit you, we will not be calling until she is gone. I am sure that you understand.” Darcy’s horse was dancing under the violent gestures of its rider. It took some skill to calm him.