Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

Richard and Kathleen stood on the steps of Rosings and waved farewell to the speeding coach less than an hour later. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “What on earth did you say to him?”

  He smiled and looked down into her curious eyes. “All I had to do was suggest that Elizabeth needed him.”

  DARCY STAYED OVERNIGHT in London, giving Rogers the opportunity to repack all of his master’s clothes and Darcy a chance to pick up some special Christmas gifts he had ordered for his wife and sister. The next day he left again. The going was very slow, winter rains made the roads slippery and sticky, the ruts broke more than one carriage wheel for many unfortunate travellers. It grew worse as they travelled farther north, now fighting through snow squalls and deep drifts. The usual three day journey from London became four. By the time he reached Pemberley, Darcy completely destroyed the pair of leather gloves he had been twisting in his anxiety the entire trip.

  He jumped down from the carriage and ran straight into the house, disregarding the servants trying to take his coat. “Where is Mrs. Darcy?” He demanded.

  “She is in the ballroom, sir.” A footman stuttered.

  He started down the hallway and hearing the sound of Elizabeth’s laughter, broke into a run. He came to a skidding stop in the doorway to see the enchanting sight of his wife with a wreath of holly in her hair, laughing heartily at Georgiana. Now he was home.

  “Lizzy,” was all he said. She turned, her eyes immediately locked onto his, and they both flew into each other’s arms, kissing with such passion that Georgiana and the servants immediately left the room, closing the door behind them.

  Simultaneous cries of “I love you” echoed off of the walls. Darcy tore his coat off and pulled Elizabeth back into his arms, kissing every bit of exposed skin his lips could reach. They drew away from each other, panting, and his eyes swept the room, searching for some soft surface to lie upon. Failing that he growled, “Come” scooped her up and carried her out and straight to their bedchamber. They no sooner arrived before he dropped her onto the bed and unbuttoned the fall of his breeches. She had pulled up her skirts and in a second he thrust into her and in minutes the torrid, passionate act was over, leaving the two staring up at the canopy, gasping for breath.

  Elizabeth turned her head and met his eye. She grasped his hand and smiled, her eyes dancing with her happiness. “Well, Mr. Darcy, may I assume by your enthusiastic display that you missed me?”

  Darcy grinned. “Why yes, Mrs. Darcy, I believe I did.” They looked at each other and began to laugh, the tears of joy flowed down their faces, and they held each other tightly, shaking with happiness and relief at their reunion.

  He propped himself upon his elbow and looked down into his wife’s happy face. “I will never make that mistake again, Lizzy. I do not care to ever spend another night without you by my side.”

  She ran her fingers lovingly through his curls. “I tried to convince you that I should accompany you, as you may recall, dear sir.”

  “And I was a stubborn fool for not listening to you.” He reached over, playing with a tendril of her hair.

  She raised her brow, “You are admitting to making a mistake?”

  “I am.” He smiled. His eyes were full of love for her.

  “My goodness, sir! What has become of you! I was under the distinct impression that you were a man without fault!”

  “There is no fault in making a mistake, only in not admitting it.” He instructed.

  “But only when caught.” She added seriously.

  “Well, I did not say when I would admit the mistake.” His smile widened.

  “Only that you should.” She nodded while biting her lip.

  “Precisely.”

  “I missed you desperately, William.” She whispered, her eyes filled with tears of emotion.

  “And I you.” He caressed her face, his eyes bright as well. “I am afraid that you must sit for another portrait, my love. I think that I kissed yours too many times.”

  “If I could have reached your lips in the gallery, your portrait would be in a similar state.”

  He smiled. “You looked upon my portrait?”

  “I sat and answered my correspondence with you every day.” She admitted, the tears flowing freely now.

  “Oh Lizzy.” They lay quietly, holding each other, so happy to be whole again. “Lizzy.” He began cautiously. “Kathleen received a letter from you . . .”

  “Yes.” She gave his hand a tight squeeze.

  “Yes?” He said, his hope rising.

  “Yes. I think. I feel. Yes.”

  “When?” He whispered.

  “August.” She whispered back.

  “So long!” He said mournfully.

  “It will be at least another two months before I will feel anything, so let us not tell anyone yet. Only Mrs. Reynolds knows for sure. I just placed some hints in Kathleen’s letter. I hoped it might bring you home sooner.” She grinned. “As I see by the evidence before me, it was most effective!”

  “Minx!” He said fondly. “I will contain my joy until you tell me I can shout to the world.”

  “I know it will be difficult, but . . .”

  “It would be prudent. Yes, I know.” He kissed her hand. “I love you Lizzy.”

  “I love you Will.” She sighed, and gratefully rested her head over his beating heart.

  Chapter 37

  The next week was spent preparing Pemberley for Christmas. Cuttings of laurel, holly and rosemary were festooned over doorways, colourful ribbons and garlands of pine were wound on the banisters. The Yule log was prepared, and mistletoe was everywhere. The scent of Christmas was in the air as sugar plums, gingerbread and ginger nuts were made to give to those who came to view the estate. Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Mrs. Reynolds worked together to prepare for their guests. When a footman approached Elizabeth and informed her of a carriage’s arrival, she asked him to inform Mr. Darcy, who was catching up on his own work. The women went to the front door in time to see Jane emerging from the carriage on Bingley’s arm. Elizabeth ran out of the door and promptly slipped on the icy steps, landing in a heap at their feet.

  “Lizzy!” Jane cried out and rushed over to her.

  “My goodness Elizabeth, are you well?” Bingley came immediately to her side and easily lifted her to her feet. Jane started brushing the snow from her.

  “Oh Jane, stop, I am fine, really!” Elizabeth laughed. “Come; let us move inside where it is warm.”

  By this time, Darcy had arrived at the door and seeing Elizabeth with a wet gown and limping, immediately became alarmed. “Lizzy, what happened?” He removed her from Jane’s grasp and looked her over.

  “I am fine; I just slipped on the steps, and took a little tumble. I am fine, truly.” She smiled reassuringly at him.

  He shook his head. “No more, Elizabeth. You will not greet any more carriages. You will wait in the foyer and the visitors will come to you. I will not allow the risk of another fall.” He held her hand and looked seriously into her eyes. “Agreed?”

  She stared at him for a moment. He had become the greatest mother hen and protector imaginable after learning of his Lizzy’s pregnancy. Elizabeth had no intention of making him change, no matter how annoying it may become. She squeezed his hand. “Agreed, William.”

  He let out a breath, relieved she had not argued with him, and finally turned to greet their surprised guests. “Bingley, Jane, we were not expecting you for several days, did you decide to leave early to take advantage of the good weather?”

  Bingley coloured. “Please forgive our early appearance, we, ah, well . . .”

  Elizabeth was watching Jane. “You wished to escape Mama?” Jane’s eyes met hers and the silent confirmation of the sisters took place. Elizabeth smiled and hugged her. “I understand.”

  Mrs. Reynolds had their rooms ready in no time and the couple was happy to go relax in warm baths and rest until they all met in the dining room. Amid the conversation and exchange of news, Darcy watche
d in fascination as Jane heaped enormous quantities of food onto her plate and devoured it while Bingley watched Elizabeth barely nibble on a roll. The two friends looked at each other. Darcy raised his brows in question. Bingley glanced at Jane and a bright smile appeared as he nodded. Darcy smiled. Bingley then glanced at Elizabeth and tilted his head, and Darcy’s grin widened as he nodded. The two men sat smiling like fools for a moment before Elizabeth noticed them and stopped speaking to Jane in mid-sentence. Her eyes went to Jane’s and widened. Jane nodded and smiled, then noticing her sister’s poor appetite, she asked silently and Elizabeth grinned.

  By this time Georgiana was completely confused by all of the silent smiling and burst out, “What are you talking about? I must have my share!”

  They started laughing. “Oh Georgiana, please do not tell me you are turning into Aunt Catherine!” Elizabeth cried. That sufficiently distracted their sister and the two couples secretly rejoiced in the others’ good news.

  SEVERAL DAYS LATER two carriages arrived from Matlock. Elizabeth and Darcy awaited them in the foyer with a contingent of servants. “Elizabeth!” Lord Matlock entered the house and went straight to his niece, taking her hands in his. “You are glowing! Has my nephew taken you on another satisfying trip?” He laughed at his own joke.

  Elizabeth shook her head and kissed his cheek. “How long have you been working on that Uncle Henry?”

  “Ha! You know me too well already!” He let go and vigorously shook Darcy’s hand. “I have been looking forward to this Christmas Darcy, I feel like a boy!”

  Darcy smiled and turned to Elizabeth. “I apologize in advance for the Fitzwilliam family, my love.”

  Elizabeth laughed and embraced Lady Matlock. “I count on you to help me reign in your mens’ enthusiasm, Aunt Elaine.”

  “Oh no, my dear, I gave that up years ago.” She smiled and turned to the couple standing nearby. “Elizabeth, this is my eldest son Mark and his wife, Laura.” Before she could continue the introduction, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and spoke. “Mark, Laura, this is my wife, Elizabeth.” He looked upon her with great affection and smiled at his cousins.

  Mark, an older, but oddly younger-looking version of Richard, gazed upon the joyous expression of his cousin with awe. “I am delighted to meet you at last Elizabeth. I have heard tales of you and the miraculous transformation that you have wrought upon Darcy, but I refused to believe it until this moment. Who knew the man could smile!”

  Elizabeth’s eyes danced. “Oh sir, I assure you, the achievement of that smile has been the result of a great deal of practice.”

  “From a very willing student.” Darcy raised her hand to his lips.

  “Most satisfying!” Lord Matlock called out.

  Mark’s eyes met Laura’s. “If I was not witnessing this I would not believe it.”

  His wife smiled slightly at him. “Well we have certainly heard enough of it. Did you really doubt your brother’s praises?” Darcy’s brows furrowed for a moment, but it was unnoticed by everyone except Elizabeth. Laura curtseyed to her. “I am happy to meet you at last, Elizabeth. It seems we were destined to miss each other constantly this year.”

  “I am pleased to meet you as well, Laura. Perhaps you can give me more insight into these men we have married while you are here.” She smiled warmly.

  Laura nodded. She, the daughter of a peer, and very much raised to be conscious of her position in society, had been reluctant to accept Darcy’s choice of wife. She wished Aunt Catherine had made the trip. She was sure that Lady would share her opinions without hesitation. Nevertheless, the efforts of her Fitzwilliam relatives allowed her to at least be open to meeting Elizabeth. Seeing the woman in person, and the extraordinary behaviour of Darcy, was enough to make her curious, and be willing to consider tolerating her. “Of course, I would be happy to share secrets with you.”

  Before the party could move to a sitting room, the sound of a third carriage was heard. Into the house came Richard and Kathleen, obviously cold and tired from the journey, but beaming to have arrived at such a good time. The cacophony of greetings echoed around the hallways as the family members embraced. Darcy and Elizabeth stood out of the way until Richard extricated himself from them, and holding Kathleen’s hand tightly, approached his hosts. “I suppose we should greet the two of you, as you are putting up with all of us!” He grinned, then let go of Kathleen to shake Darcy’s hand. “I hope you have something stronger than tea waiting!”

  Darcy laughed and clapped his shoulder. “I believe I may have something, Cousin.” Elizabeth and Kathleen greeted each other with happiness and embraced, then turned to the men. Darcy bent and kissed Kathleen’s hand and wished her well, and Richard stood before Elizabeth. He gave her a quick embrace and closing his eyes, kissed her cheek, and then stepped back.

  “You are looking lovely, Elizabeth.” She smiled warmly at him and took the hand that was brushing hers. “Thank you Richard, I am so happy that you and Kathleen have arrived safely. We shall be a very merry party indeed.” She then looked up into Darcy’s dark eyes, and squeezed his hand. The party set off to their rooms and eventually all met again in one of the larger sitting rooms.

  The reunion of the Fitzwilliam family over the following days was a sight to behold. It amused Elizabeth to no end seeing the two brothers working together to abuse their much taller cousin, who recruited Bingley to his side. They behaved as little boys and instantly took to challenging each other at their old games of fencing, riding, and billiards. Lord Matlock looked on with great enjoyment, and acted as judge and mediator between the inevitable arguments. The wives and Georgiana shook their heads at their antics, and spent a great deal of time commiserating with each other over the trials of marriage to such exuberant men. Elizabeth had to smile at the thought of anyone calling William exuberant, but here, at his home, amongst the safety of his family, he allowed himself to let his guard down.

  Perhaps it was the season or the great number of guests, but whatever the reason, Elizabeth did not suffer as greatly with this pregnancy as she had with the first. With William home she no longer felt sadness. The smell of certain foods still bothered her, but she kept some peppermint nearby when she sat at the table and it helped. She was not at all hungry and was losing weight, a condition noticed by her husband and sisters, but at least the nausea had stopped. She could not complain of her physical well-being.

  When the Bennet carriage crested the hill and the first sight of Pemberley appeared through the trees, the occupants sounded a collective gasp. “Oh, Mr. Bennet!” Mrs. Bennet’s eyes were wide with amazement. She stared at the imposing home until it disappeared from view again, and then turned to her husband, her mouth agape. “I knew that Mr. Darcy was rich, but I could not even begin to imagine this!” Signs of the old Fanny Bennet made their ominous reappearance. Fortunately the new Thomas Bennet recognized it.

  “Mrs. Bennet, please take care. Lizzy has made it quite clear that her husband does not in any way appreciate loud effusions about his wealth. I think that it would be most unwise to embarrass him or Lizzy by behaving in anything other than a refined and genteel manner.” He looked to Mary and Kitty. “That advice should be applied to you ladies as well.”

  “Really Papa, you act as if we are ruffians!” Kitty said, pasting a look of indifference to the estate on her face.

  “Yes, Papa, certainly we know how to behave with decorum.” Mary claimed, while nervously adjusting her bonnet.

  Mr. Bennet sighed. At least Lydia was not able to make the journey with them. Her husband’s duties kept him at his post. He regarded his daughters and wife. Their excitement was palpable. He hoped they would try to behave well. He had not seen Elizabeth and Darcy since June. His relationship with his daughter was improving slowly through letters, but with Darcy, it remained coldly polite. He was not sure if it would ever grow beyond that.

  The carriage pulled up to the door, and a footman directed them inside where Darcy and Elizabeth waited. The three ladies entered
with open mouths and wide eyes, and were practically bowled over by the rush of servants who descended upon them to take their coats.

  Mr. Bennet walked directly to them and bowed. “Thank you for inviting us to your home, Mr. Darcy.”

  He nodded and said without expression, “We are pleased to have you and the ladies with us.”

  Mr. Bennet looked at Elizabeth, cocking his head a little, and the light of comprehension came across his face. “It is wonderful to see you, Lizzy.” She embraced him and he whispered, “Are congratulations in order?” She looked at him in surprise. “You are not saying anything, yet?” She shook her head, and he nodded, smiling slightly.

  Darcy wondered at the odd exchange between father and daughter. Elizabeth greeted her mother and sisters, and suggested that they refresh themselves in their rooms before joining the rest of the guests. Mrs. Bennet, mindful of her husband’s admonition contained her effusions over the décor and bit her tongue. Elizabeth led them to their rooms and returned to the parlour where everyone else had gathered before dinner.

  Darcy came over to her immediately. “Are they settling in?” He asked, squeezing her hand.

  “Yes, I imagine they will join us in a half hour or so.” She smiled slightly

  “What did your father say to you? You looked surprised.” He was concerned about any emotion that Mr. Bennet evoked from Elizabeth.

  “Apparently experiencing five pregnancies with Mama has made him very perceptive.” She looked at him, raising her brows.

  “He can tell?” Darcy stood back and looked closely at Elizabeth. Her jaw line was softened, her skin glowed, and she did look different. Why had he not seen it before? The corners of his mouth lifted. “I suppose there is something to be said for experience.”

  “Lizzy!” Jane grasped her hand. “How are Mama and Papa? Was their trip difficult? I was so worried that the weather would prevent their travel.”

  “They seem fine, Jane. They will join us soon.”

  “Elizabeth.” Lord Matlock came over to her. “I understand that your father has arrived. Before he comes in, please tell me how you are getting on with him.” He looked at her with concern. Everyone else in the room stopped talking and turned their attention towards them. They all knew what Mr. Bennet had said about Darcy, and how he tried to interfere in their courtship and marriage, no one but Elizabeth and Darcy knew of his letter to Wickham.