Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Lady Catherine sat, as majestic and commanding as the Queen herself, and observed as Elizabeth filled her plate with odd combinations of food from the buffet and sat down nearby. Since Anne’s death, she had let go of her anger for Elizabeth marrying Darcy. She accepted that even if he had married Anne, she knew now that her daughter still would have died. She allowed the initial undisclosed fondness she felt upon meeting Elizabeth to return, and to her niece’s bewildered alarm, treated her as her own daughter.

  “Elizabeth!” She barked. “What on earth are you thinking? Such combinations of food! And so much! A lady does not eat in such a manner!”

  “Aunt Catherine, as you well know, I am not a lady, I am a gentleman’s daughter.” Elizabeth smirked at her.

  Darcy and Richard grinned at each other. They were at it again. “You are trifling with me, Mrs. Darcy. I will not have it!” Turning to her nephew she narrowed her eyes and pointed at him. “Have you no control over your wife, sir?”

  “None whatsoever, Aunt.” Darcy smiled fondly at Elizabeth. He took her hand, and looked at her with his brows raised. She nodded. It was time. “I do know a good reason for her hunger, however.” He smiled, his eyes joyous, his dimples huge, his chest puffed, he announced, “Elizabeth and I will be parents soon.” He looked at her beaming face. “Not nearly soon enough, but soon.” He kissed her hand lovingly.

  The room was instantly filled with declarations of excitement and congratulations, and Darcy found himself the subject of much backslapping by his uncle and cousins. Lady Catherine immediately began dispensing her advice, and told Elizabeth that she was not eating nearly enough, as she was too thin.

  “When are you due, Elizabeth?” Lady Matlock asked.

  “I think it will be mid-August. That is why we will remove to Pemberley in April, and asked you to take Georgiana through the rest of her Season for us.”

  “And here I was thinking my nephew far too dedicated to his sheep and crops!” Lady Matlock laughed. She held her hand. “I assume by this announcement you have felt the quickening?”

  “I am feeling it right now!” She whispered, looking up to catch Darcy’s warm stare from across the room.

  Lady Matlock followed her gaze. “Is he overprotective yet?” Seeing Elizabeth’s blush she laughed. “Oh dear, what will we do with him when your time comes? He will be beside himself!”

  “I hope that he will be beside me.” Elizabeth said quietly.

  “You want him there? Oh Elizabeth, I do not recommend this. One cry from you and he will faint dead away, or worse, try to take over.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I want him there. We will do this together.”

  Lady Matlock looked at Lady Catherine with raised brows. “Well dear, this is something I would like to see.”

  Darcy joined them and smiled. “Why do I have a feeling that you are discussing me?”

  Elizabeth took his hand. “Hmm. Perhaps it was because we were all staring at you?” He laughed softly, then standing behind her; wrapped his arms around her waist. Kissing her curls, he rested his chin upon her head. Elizabeth leaned back against him and covered his hands with hers. Darcy smiled at the shocked expression on his aunts’ faces. “Now ladies, what exactly did you have to say about me?”

  “Nephew! Cease this display immediately! It is unseemly!” Lady Catherine cried.

  Lady Matlock regarded them with admiration. “Oh Darcy, you are truly setting an excellent example for my sons!” They all looked over to Richard and Mark who just then happened to notice the scene before them. Mark looked to Laura for her reaction, who caught his eye then gazed down. Kathleen smiled at Richard who immediately came over to kiss her hand. Lady Matlock sighed and whispered. “Well, some progress is being made, in any case.” Darcy chuckled. “So tell me, do you really intend to stay with Elizabeth when her time comes? I do not wish to frighten either of you, but it is not over in a moment, it takes hours of work, and is not without great discomfort. You will have to be prepared to see and hear your wife in a state that you can do little to alleviate. If that helplessness would make you feel overwhelmed, it is best that you keep to your library for the duration.”

  Darcy squeezed Elizabeth. “Aunt Elaine, although I truly have no real idea of what to expect, I cannot imagine not being with my Elizabeth anytime that she needs me. Even if all I can do is hold her hand, I will remain by her side. Whatever I may experience will be inconsequential to her labours. It is she who matters.” Elizabeth looked up at him and touched his face. He met her gaze and they gently brushed their lips.

  Lady Catherine watched with tears in her eyes. She was right all along, Darcy would have been a wonderful husband for her Anne, but it took Elizabeth to touch his heart and let his family see the gentle man he had buried deep inside. She cleared her throat. “Well then, Nephew. If you are determined to behave as a fool, I suppose we must support you. But if I hear of your fainting, be assured, I will never let you hear the end of it!”

  Darcy laughed and hugged Elizabeth. “Of that, I have no doubt at all, Aunt Catherine.”

  ALEX STOOD in front of the mirror, his valet brushing his coat. This was it, the long wait was over. He had not seen Georgiana; no, he had not spoken to Georgiana, since Bingley’s wedding, nearly nine months past. He had caught brief glimpses of her since their return to town. He was always careful to be well-hidden, having no desire to raise Darcy’s ire. Through Elizabeth’s letters, he learned of Georgiana’s continued interest in him, and learned many useful and appreciated details, her preferences in books and music, her favourite pastimes, and most importantly, the date of her coming out. He received his invitation to her ball and responded instantly, with a request for two dances. Any two. Please.

  Elizabeth was fortunately in charge of the responses, and laughed when she received Alex’s request. She showed it to Georgiana, who blushed crimson. Elizabeth knew that William would never approve two dances, not at her first ball, so she gave him the supper set, thus allowing him the most time possible with her. Lord Matlock would open the ball with her, followed by Darcy, Richard, and Mark. After that she was fair game to all of the other young men who would come to win her, and her dowry.

  Alex arrived at Darcy House precisely on time, and found he was one of the first guests. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana stood waiting to receive them. He approached and shook Darcy’s hand. “It has been a long time, Darcy. It is good to see you.”

  Darcy regarded Alex appraisingly. He saw his anticipation and shook his head. His friend had kept his part of the bargain, now it was up to Georgiana. “It is good to see you, Alex. How are your parents?”

  He smiled. “Very well, they send their greetings and hope to see you at our annual ball again this year.”

  “Perhaps, we have many events to attend with Georgiana, and we will be leaving town in April. You may need to invite Lord and Lady Matlock instead.” Darcy glanced over to his aunt and uncle.

  Alex followed his gaze then turned back to him. “Why are you leaving so early in the Season? Will you be returning?”

  “No, we will not be returning.” Seeing his questioning face he leaned in and spoke quietly. “It seems you are to be an uncle.” Darcy grinned.

  Alex’s eyes widened. “Congratulations Darcy! That is wonderful news!” He turned to Elizabeth and kissed her hand. “I am so happy for you Elizabeth!”

  “Thank you Alex!” She beamed, then turning to Georgiana she said, “Mr. Carrington, I believe you should remember my sister, Georgiana Darcy?”

  Alex smiled into her blushing face. He drew a deep breath and looked into her eyes. “Miss Darcy, it is a supreme pleasure to see you again. You look absolutely lovely. May I congratulate you on your presentation?”

  Georgiana, feeling the gentle pressure of Elizabeth’s hand on her back gathered her confidence and looked into Alex’s smiling, somewhat anxious eyes. “Thank you, sir. It was quite a memorable experience.”

  “I hope that I might secure a dance with you, Miss Darcy,
and create a memorable experience myself.” He smiled hopefully.

  “Mr. Carrington, I am pleased to offer you the supper dance.” She said breathlessly.

  Thrilled, Alex bowed. “Thank you Miss Darcy, I look forward to it!” He looked gratefully at Elizabeth and moved on.

  The house soon filled with people. Darcy became distinctly uncomfortable and relied on Elizabeth to help him through the event. In some ways, he felt that he was being just as heavily courted as Georgiana, as young men and their parents came to introduce themselves, hopeful to gain the favour of the man who would make the decisions on Georgiana’s suitors

  When the dancing began, Lord Matlock, as the senior member of the family, led Georgiana onto the floor. Darcy gratefully stood opposite Elizabeth and for the first time that day relaxed. “Is this ordeal over yet?” He whispered as he took Elizabeth’s hand in a turn.

  She laughed. “I am afraid it has only just begun, my love.”

  He grimaced. “This is torture. Do you realize how many men have complimented me tonight?”

  “As I handled the invitations, yes, I do.” She grinned.

  He leaned close to her ear. “Lizzy, you once commanded me to make time pass faster. I now charge you with the same task!”

  She laughed. “Forgive me William, I have not that power, but inevitably time will march on.” Darcy groaned. “There is a solution, you know.” He looked at her, waiting. “You could give your consent to one of them and have done with it on the first night!” She gave him a gleeful smile.

  Darcy stared deeply into her eyes. “Mrs. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth met his gaze, still smiling. “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”

  “You are provoking me to action.”

  “What sort of action, sir?”

  “I may be forced to wipe that smirk from your lips.”

  “And how will you achieve that?” She raised her brow and tilted her head.

  “With the firm application of mine.” He growled.

  “Promises, promises, Mr. Darcy.” She winked at him and glided away.

  Once again, Elizabeth restored his good humour during a stressful situation. With her help, he managed to tolerate the suitors and watched with equanimity as Georgiana danced with many of them.

  Alex finally came to claim her hand for his dance. He smiled down at her, and tried to control the quaver in his voice. “At last Miss Darcy. I have anticipated this for so long.”

  “So have I, Mr. Carrington.” She blushed.

  They began their dance and Alex spoke to her of music. Georgiana happily talked of her love of the pianoforte, and relaxed. She found that of the many young men she had met that night, Alex was the only one with whom she felt comfortable. When the dance ended, he escorted her to supper and they spent the time in quiet conversation. They were joined by Darcy and Elizabeth, but to Alex’s surprise, he was permitted to continue the conversation. Her brother did not attempt to interfere.

  As the evening ended, Darcy noticed that Alex approached Georgiana to invite her to dance the final waltz with him. He was instantly angry and began to walk towards the couple. He did not want Georgiana to receive the attention that dancing twice with any particular man would bring. It was a gently applied hand on his arm that stopped him. He turned and looked down into Elizabeth’s lovely eyes.

  “Do not be angry with Alex, I set the dance aside for them.”

  He stared at her. “You know what this signals! I never danced twice with any woman until I met you!”

  “Yes, my dear husband, and is it not possible that Alex has been waiting all this time to dance with his future wife? Would you have taken kindly to any other man dancing the waltz with me at the ball last year?” She smiled and gently caressed his hand.

  His eyes became soft and warm. “My dear Lizzy, I do not take kindly to any other man dancing with you at any time, including tonight.” He looked up and nodded his permission to Alex, and allowed him to waltz with her.

  Elizabeth, now safely ensconced in his arms, smiled up at him as they floated around the ballroom. “That was very kind of you, William.”

  He shrugged his shoulders, admitting defeat. “I would not miss this dance with you, nor deny it to Richard, Mark, or Uncle Henry. Alex is the only other man in this room I will trust with her.”

  Amused with how quickly he changed his mind Elizabeth suggested, “Should we simply give them your consent now?”

  Darcy smiled. “No, my love, he will have to work for it like every man.” He gave her a squeeze and they laughed, twirling across the floor. He gazed tenderly down at her, “Lizzy?”

  “Yes darling?”

  “Do you remember what you were doing at this time exactly one year ago?” She smiled and looked into his warm gaze. “I believe that I was falling in love.”

  His grip of her waist grew tighter and their fingers entwined. “I believe that I had already fallen by now. Your smile a year ago; and your love today are the most treasured birthday gifts I have ever received. Thank you sweetheart.”

  “Will.” She blinked back the tears that came so easily now, but had always been ready whenever he professed his love. The waltz ended and they came to a stop, still seeing nothing but each other. Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “Come my love, let us farewell our guests so I might add to your gift in the privacy of our chambers.”

  Darcy’s eyes glowed. “And shall I unwrap my gift there?” He raised her gloved hand to his lips, allowing his breath to gently warm her skin.

  “Mmmmm, yes.” She closed her eyes, forgetting everyone around them.

  “In that case my dearest wife let us urge our guests on.” He smiled at her sweet expression.

  She returned from her dreamy state and raised a brow. “And what method do you recommend? Putting out the candles?”

  “No, too dangerous, they would trip over each other.”

  “Presenting their coats?” She suggested.

  He smiled. “No, too much chaos, it would take forever to sort out.”

  “Hmm. I know! We will serve no more libations.” She smiled widely.

  He grinned into her dancing eyes. “I believe you have found the solution!” An hour later the guests were gone, and Darcy did enjoy unwrapping his birthday gift; very much indeed.

  Chapter 40

  The morning after Georgiana’s coming out ball Alex sat at his parent’s breakfast table staring unseeing at the rapidly cooling plate of ham and eggs before him. All he could see was the image of a perfectly lovely young woman, blushing in his arms as they waltzed the final dance together. He would be eternally grateful to Elizabeth for both secretly saving the dance for him on Georgiana’s dance card, and for controlling Darcy’s rather unhappy reaction when he saw them step off together. He smiled remembering his friend’s angry glare almost instantly changing to a look of tender adoration at the sound of a few whispered words and a subtle caress by his wife. He hoped that he and Georgiana could share a passion like that someday.

  Philip Carrington shot an amused glance at his wife. He watched with great interest his son’s rapidly changing facial expressions. “Well Alex, did you enjoy Miss Darcy’s ball?”

  Alex startled and noticed his parents watching him with warm smiles. He could not stop the grin that overspread his face. “Yes Father, I enjoyed it very much, it was a wonderful evening.”

  “I am pleased to hear that, Son. How was Darcy?

  Alex laughed. “He was everything expected and unexpected at the same time. He and the other gentlemen of his family take their protective roles very seriously, but surprisingly he allowed me to speak privately with her during supper. He made no attempt to interfere. I do not know if I should thank Elizabeth, or if he is remembering his own courtship.”

  Amanda laughed. “Oh Philip, do you remember how we wished to be alone when you courted me, and Papa was there at every turn? Whenever you left you would try to kiss my hand, and somehow my sister would always suddenly appear with an urgent directive from him. You were so frustrated!”


  “I was more than frustrated, dear, I was desperate! Why do you think that I insisted on such a short engagement?”

  “I thought that was Papa’s decision.” She looked at him with surprise.

  Philip shook his head, grinning. “No indeed, I won his consent to marry you and named the wedding date. When he objected, I threatened to compromise you in a very public manner if he did not agree, and whisk you off to Gretna Green. I must have appeared serious since we married three weeks later!” Amanda gasped and laughed.

  Alex’s eyes were wide. This was the first time he heard this story. “I hope that I will not have to resort to such threats with Darcy. I am afraid that he is quite capable of beating me at any event, physical or mental.”

  Philip looked at his son seriously. “Are you not assuming something, Son? One ball does not make you a suitor. And one conversation and two dances do not make you engaged. I think that you need to reassess your attitude. After all, Alex, you are hardly the only young man interested in Miss Darcy and her thirty thousand pounds.”

  Alex met his father’s raised brow with a small smile. “Thank you for the not so subtle reminder, Father.”

  “I am just performing my role as guide and critic.” He smiled.

  “Good, then I shall take on the role of hopeless romantic!” Amanda declared. She turned and grasped his hand. “I hope that you succeed Alex, you have waited a long time for your chance. I will be very happy to explain a lady’s mind to you.”

  Alex squeezed her hand. “Thank you Mother, somehow I think that your advice will be the one I seek most frequently.”

  Amanda cast a satisfied glance at Philip. “I always appreciated how very intelligent you are Alex.”

  GEORGIANA AWOKE the morning after the ball with the memory of Alex’s smile, laugh, and twinkling happy eyes. She hugged herself. She had the great advantage of knowing his feelings long before her ball, so all of those eager young men who tried to claim her attention failed completely. She compared every one of them to Alex, and his maturity, kindness, and relaxed, assured behaviour struck her as so much more interesting and attractive then the cocky or nervous men closer to her own age. She was also painfully aware of those men, which she was very sad to quickly realize was most of them, who were primarily interested in her dowry. Elizabeth sat down with her before the ball and explained very clearly what to expect from the gentlemen who would come to see her. The evening was not so much a romantic opportunity for her to meet the love of her life, but a very real business transaction to acquire funds for desperate families and support estates, as well as increasing status by connecting to the Darcy name. Her brother’s tacit approval of Alex spoke volumes for his character and intentions. After watching the loving marriage William had made with Elizabeth, she knew that he was as concerned for her emotional future as much as her suitor’s financial one.