Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  She bathed and dressed, eventually wandering downstairs for a very late breakfast after the unprecedented late night. Upon arriving in the breakfast room she asked after the rest of the family and was told the unsurprising news that Elizabeth and William were out walking. She smiled; nothing, even an extremely abbreviated night, would keep them from their morning exercise. Upon sitting down she was presented with a salver piled high with calling cards and invitations, as well as a note from Elizabeth.

  Georgiana,

  Please look these over and put aside any that interest you. I have already made a list with your brother’s assistance. Aunt Elaine will arrive at two o’clock and she will help us to greet all of your visitors. Of course, anyone not on our lists will not be shown in, and yes, Mr. Carrington’s name has already been noted.

  Elizabeth

  She breathed a sigh of relief; the task would not be quite as daunting now. She was grateful for all that Elizabeth had done for her in the past year. Elizabeth selected ten young men to accept based on her observations the night before. Darcy added two who he felt obligated to invite for at least one call due to business reasons, and otherwise reluctantly approved Elizabeth’s choices. If it was up to him, Georgiana would wait several more years to enter the marriage mart. Lady Matlock also had indicated two other gentlemen who met her approval. So Georgiana, with the company of her sister and aunt, sat through fourteen visits. Alex arrived early and was very loathe leaving when his half hour was over. He saw the other men arriving and Elizabeth quietly informed him that they had identified many possible suitors and that he had some competition. He ruefully realized that his father seemed to be correct.

  BY THE MIDDLE OF MARCH Darcy came to dread his morning question, “So Lizzy, what is on our agenda today?” He tried to say it with a smile, but after three weeks of nearly daily balls, dinners and other social events, both attended and hosted by the three Darcys, he had reached the end of his tolerance. His naturally shy, unsociable nature was screaming for relief. And he thought, it was only going to become worse, the Season did not really begin until after Easter, thus far they had only been attending the very preliminary events.

  Elizabeth looked at him with sympathy. She was weary of the activity as well, and just wanted to go home to Pemberley. So it was with great gentleness that she told him the bad news, “We are going to St. James’ tonight, William.” Her heart ached seeing his miserable countenance.

  “Oh no, please Lizzy, not there. Could we not miss this ball?”

  “How darling? The point of being presented at court was so Georgiana, and I, for that matter, could attend events there. You know as well as I do how important this is for her, and her acceptance into society.”

  “I know, but it is just so . . .” He looked down.

  Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “Tell me William.”

  He sighed and squeezed back, looking sadly into her eyes. “There are hundreds and hundreds of people. It is overcrowded, hot, candle wax drips constantly from the chandeliers, you cannot hear the conversation, and people are all over you to gain your attention. There is nowhere to hide.” He ended softly.

  Elizabeth regarded him, feeling his very real discomfort, and made a decision. “Perhaps Kathleen and Richard could escort Georgiana tonight.”

  He looked up hopefully. “Really?”

  She smiled. “I am feeling very tired from all of our duties, and I think a quiet evening of rest would be best for the baby and me.”

  Darcy brightened instantaneously. “Yes! I will send Richard a note immediately!”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Thank you, William, I feel better already!” She took his hand in hers and leaned in close to him. “What shall we do with our day now? I will not be spending hours on my hair and dress.”

  “Shall we take a walk? It promises to be a sunny day, perhaps we could walk down to Bond Street, or look in the book shops, or . . .”

  “Or just hold hands and talk?” She smiled at his enthusiasm. “We have had very little time for ourselves since we left Pemberley.”

  He nodded. “Yes, if it was not for our morning exercise and sleeping,” he smiled at her softly cleared throat, “I have barely seen you, well privately anyway. I miss you Lizzy.” He kissed her hand.

  She caressed his face. “I miss you, William. It seems we have time for everyone but ourselves.”

  They agreed to take a walk, and left the destination to the whims of their steps. Darcy wrote his note to Richard, and Elizabeth informed Georgiana of their change in plans. Soon they met by the front door, bundled for the cool spring day, and set off. Darcy looked down at Elizabeth and grinned. “It seems to me we were doing precisely this a year ago.”

  “Yes, and I must admit, my heart still skips a beat when you smile at me like that.”

  His smile grew. “Like what?”

  Sighing she touched his face. “With those enticing dimples.”

  Darcy laughed. “Well my dear, I am pleased to send your heart fluttering, you send mine racing with your very fine eyes.”

  “Thank you my love.” She hugged his arm, then touched her belly. “Would it not be wonderful if this child possessed both of our favourite features?”

  “Oh my, then if we have a girl, we will have to lock her away in a tower to keep all of the suitors away.” His eyes danced.

  She sparkled back at him. “And if a boy, we will have to lecture him quite sternly about matchmaking mamas!”

  He raised his brow and looked at her seriously. “I think we will have to do that in any case.”

  “Hmmm.” She tilted her head and looked at him. “Have you thought of a name yet?”

  “A little, have you?”

  “I admit I have. You were named for your mother’s family. Did you like being called Fitzwilliam?”

  “Well as I do not go by it, I think you have your answer.” His lips twitched and lifted in a small smile.

  “Is it tradition to name the eldest son after the mother’s family?”

  “No, not at all, my father’s name was George.”

  “I like that name.” She said thoughtfully.

  “Do you?” He regarded her pensive face. “Would you like to name a boy Bennet?”

  She walked silently for several moments. “No.”

  He caressed her cheek and said softly, “It does not have to be about your father, it would be to honour you, Elizabeth.”

  She smiled up at him with shining eyes. “Thank you William.” She took a breath and put forth her idea. “I think that instead of favouring one or the other, we might honour his father and grandfathers. I thought of William George Thomas Darcy.”

  He smiled. “I like that.” He grinned mischievously. “And following your theory, if we have a girl, she would be Fanny Anne Darcy.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide with horror. “Oh no, sir, I would not wish that on my daughter!”

  “I would like a little Elizabeth someday.” He said softly.

  She hugged his arm, and then reached to caress his face. “Elizabeth Anne Francine Darcy?”

  He was confused. “Who is Francine? I thought your mother’s name is Fanny?”

  “Mama could not say “Franny” when she was a child, so she became Fanny.”

  “Elizabeth Anne Francine, yes, but she could not be Lizzy. There is only one Lizzy.” His eyes took on that possessive glint that made her heart race.

  “Could we call her Beth?” She suggested.

  “Yes, very nice, and a son could be Will, to avoid confusion with me.” He looked lovingly into her eyes. She only called him Will at very private moments.

  “Well that was easily settled! Although, I might need to think of another nickname for our son.” Her steady gaze met his, and he nodded slowly in agreement.

  They continued their long walk, talking about all of the neglected subjects that had been put aside in favour of the Season. They wandered into several bookshops, took tea together in a quiet shop he favoured, and enjoyed the very welcome and nee
ded time alone.

  RICHARD READ DARCY’S NOTE and started laughing. Lord Matlock looked at his wife and daughter-in-law. “Care to share, Son?”

  He looked up at his father, grinning widely. “It seems that Darcy has signalled his surrender to the Season. He begs that Kathleen and I escort Georgiana to St. James’ tonight.”

  Lord Matlock laughed, reading the letter. “How long did he last?”

  “Three weeks, but if you think of the amount of socializing he has done in that time, he will not need to go out again for at least five years!” Everyone at the table joined in the laughter.

  “I think that once he is a father, and Georgiana is safely married, he will be hard-pressed to ever leave Pemberley.” Lady Matlock smiled.

  Lord Matlock looked at his wife. “Can you blame him? Other than culture and a tailor, what does London offer him?”

  “There is his club.” Kathleen raised her brow and looked at Richard.

  “Who needs a club when he has Elizabeth?” Lady Matlock shot him a look, and then turned to regard Kathleen. She suspected her son’s fondness for Elizabeth had still not died.

  Richard met his wife’s gaze and grinned, “I, however, think my wife is overjoyed when I go to my club and leave her alone.” Lady Matlock watched Kathleen’s grin appear.

  “Ah yes, my dear husband, you are quite correct, I am delighted to see the back of you.” She pursed her lips and raised her brow.

  “Ha!” He took her hand in his, and kissed it. “Just for that, my dear, I believe that I will have to remain by your side all day today.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Can I not be rid of you? Why not go and visit the Darcys? Apparently they are not busy!”

  “No, my love, if Darcy has gained freedom from the ball tonight, I assure you, he will be keeping Elizabeth well occupied today.”

  Kathleen shook her head. “Poor woman.”

  Richard raised his brows. “You do not envy her being married to such a man?”

  She smiled. “Well, he is quite handsome, I suppose if I were forced to, I would not object to his attentions.”

  Richard looked hurt. “You would not?”

  She tilted her head. “Would you object to Elizabeth’s?”

  He smiled. “I would, without hesitation. I only love you.”

  Kathleen blinked back the tears that seemed to be constantly falling. “Then I suppose I will make do with only you, Richard.”

  Lord and Lady Matlock exchanged glances. They had seen a change coming gradually over the couple. They seemed closer, happier, and more open with each other. It seemed that Richard had indeed conquered his feelings for Elizabeth, and Kathleen knew it. Perhaps they had found a similar love.

  Richard kissed her hand. “Shall we tell them the news?” She nodded.

  “What news is this?” Lord Matlock demanded.

  “You are to be grandparents, at the beginning of October!” He announced joyfully.

  They gasped and rose to embrace each other. Questions flew and their happiness was shared by all. Richard had been dying to tell everyone about the baby since Kathleen told him, but forced himself to remain quiet, remembering the Darcys’ loss and pain. That morning Kathleen had felt the quickening, and he insisted that it be a secret no longer. He could not wait to crow the news to his brother. For once, he was first with something.

  “ALEX IS HERE.” Elizabeth announced as she leaned in the doorway to Darcy’s study.

  He looked up from the letter he was reading and rolled his eyes. “Does he have a home? I mean, besides our sitting room?”

  Elizabeth laughed and entered, closing the door behind her. She walked over to his chair and ran her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and sighed. “She is not alone with him, is she?”

  Now Elizabeth rolled her eyes, thinking back on their courtship. “No, Mrs. Annesley is in the room.”

  “Good.” He relaxed. “That feels so good, Lizzy.” She smiled and continued her ministrations. “Do you think she is seeing too much of him? They are practically courting, but he has not approached me.”

  “I thought he had in June.” She said softly.

  He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stop the headache this subject always inspired. “I did not agree to a courtship. I said it was up to Georgiana. He has not declared himself to her.”

  She began gently massaging his temples. “Well clearly she has decided to accept his attentions. I think that all of the other young men have certainly realized that she only has eyes for Alex.”

  “This is your fault, you know.” He rested his head against her growing belly.

  She raised a brow. “Oh really? And how did I manage that?”

  “You arranged that waltz with her at the ball. Everyone knew then that she was taken.” There was an accusatory note in his voice.

  Elizabeth stopped rubbing his head. “So you are telling me that a second dance scared away all of her suitors? You would prefer this house to have a constant stream of men rather than just one, and a very good friend of yours as well?”

  His eyes opened and he looked up at her. “I wished for her to have a choice.”

  She moved away from him and crossed her arms over her chest. “Nobody is forcing her hand, William. She may reject Alex and move on to another man at any time.”

  He sat up and stared at her. “I think she may feel obligated to him. She knows how he put his life on hold to wait for her presentation.”

  “Oh really? And when did you last speak to her about this? Perhaps if you would stop burying yourself in this room and watch her with Alex, you would not be so afraid to see her happiness with him.”

  Darcy’s voice rose. “I am NOT hiding in here! I have a great deal of work to do, and all of these social obligations are taking up too much time!”

  Elizabeth snapped back. “Time that you were well aware had to be spent for your sister’s benefit!”

  He stood and began pacing. “Why, what is the point? Why must she attend these engagements if her decision is made?” He spun away and stood with his back to her, leaning on the window frame and staring at the peaceful garden full of spring blooms, deriving no comfort from the view.

  Elizabeth glared at him, about to retort with a caustic remark when she saw the slight slump of his shoulders. She let out the breath she had drawn and closed her eyes to calm herself. She walked over to him and took the hand that hung limply at his side and squeezed. “It will be well, Will. You will have to let her grow up and leave home sometime.” She brushed his cheek with the back of her fingers, and he sighed. He turned to embrace her, resting his head on hers.

  “I know. For such a long time she was all that I had, even before Father died.” They stood and held each other. “I am sorry for losing my temper, Lizzy. This is very hard for me.”

  “I know, darling. Forgive me for not realizing that sooner.” She looked up at him. “Sometimes I forget that Georgie is more a daughter to you than a sister.”

  He laughed quietly. “Sometimes I forget that distinction, too.” He kissed her. “Bear with me, my love. I could not do this without you.”

  “Well then, shall you come and greet Alex for a few minutes before returning to work?”

  Darcy sighed and nodded. “It could be worse, I suppose. She could have chosen a man I dislike.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “And how convenient that he is already your brother!” He shook his head and kissing her hand, they left to greet their guest.

  WHILE DARCY AND ELIZABETH TALKED, Alex entered the sitting room where Georgiana waited to receive him. “Good afternoon, Miss Darcy.” He bowed and presented her with a bouquet of pink tulips.

  “Oh how lovely! Thank you Mr. Carrington!” She held them to her face, drinking in the delicate scent of the flowers. Mrs. Annesley offered to place them in water, and left the two alone for a few moments. Alex wasted no time in advancing to her side and taking her hand to kiss her fingers. Her blush made him smile.

  “I was correct!” He sai
d with a pleased expression which covered his own blush.

  “About what, sir?” She raised her eyes from the floor.

  “The tulips are the exact shade of your cheeks when I touch your hand.” Her blush became deeper. “Oh, well, it seems that I must bring red flowers next time.” His eyes were twinkling at her.

  “Mr. Carrington!”

  He bent his head to hers. “Have I offended you Miss Darcy? I do not mean any harm.”

  “Sir, if you offend me, I will not hesitate to tell you.” She lifted her chin defiantly.

  He grinned. “I see that your sister has been giving you instruction on impertinence.”

  Georgiana’s eyes opened wide. She did not realize how she had changed. “She has been a great influence on me.”

  Mrs. Annesley returned with the flowers in a crystal vase and the couple moved quickly apart, then sat next to each other on a small sofa. Alex glanced unhappily at the intruder, and adjusted his conversation to suit the company. “Will you be attending the Masterson’s dinner party tomorrow evening?”

  Georgiana sighed at his retreat to formality. “Yes, I understand that their eldest son attended Cambridge with you and William.”