Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “Indeed, we spent many hours in company with him.” Unable to resist, he became bolder. “I understand he has called on you several times?” He watched for her reaction.

  Her face betrayed her surprise. “How would you know that?”

  “Oh I have my sources.” He said cryptically. “You seem to have received a great many callers.” He again searched her face.

  She huffed. “Is that not the point of a girl’s Season, sir? To attract gentlemen to call on her? It would be quite sad if no man came around, would it not?”

  Alex could not help but smile. “Indeed it would.” His smile faded, and his face took on a worried expression.

  She could see his anxiety and chose to give him a little gift. “If you were to ask my brother, he would say I have had only one gentleman caller of late, and the others have been frightened away.”

  Alex immediately brightened. “Is that so? And who is this frequent caller, and how were the others frightened? I hope this man has not become a nuisance?”

  “No, his company is much welcomed.” Georgiana dared to meet Alex’s now intense stare, and she blushed anew with the touch of his hand when it crept over to lightly stroke hers. Mrs. Annesley’s softly cleared throat reminded them of her presence but did nothing to calm her racing heart.

  Desperate to have some privacy with her, Alex made a request. “Would you be interested in a walk in the park, Miss Darcy? It is a fine day.”

  She smiled widely. She had been trying to think of a way to be alone with him. “Oh yes, what a lovely idea.” She turned to her companion. “Does that seem a pleasant idea, Mrs. Annesley?”

  The older woman smiled knowingly. “It does indeed, Miss Darcy. Would you prefer your brother and sister walking out with you?”

  Alex looked at Georgiana with panicked eyes. She stifled the laugh she felt. She no more wanted her brother as chaperone than Alex did. Elizabeth alone would be fine, but William would be breathing down their necks. “Oh no, I am sure they are too busy. I would be glad of your company.”

  “Certainly, Miss Darcy. I will just go and gather my things.”

  As soon as she left, Alex kissed Georgiana’s hand. “Thank you. I enjoy your brother’s company; he is one of my closest friends, however . . .”

  “He does take his role of protector quite seriously, but I will never ever fault him for it. I owe him so much.” She ended softly, thinking of Ramsgate, then looking up at the man she might never have known without her brother’s care.

  Alex watched her with concern. “Miss Darcy, are you well?” He squeezed the hand he had not relinquished.

  Georgiana looked up into his worried eyes and felt a peace she had never known before. She shivered then pulled herself together. “Yes of course I am. I will just go and fetch my bonnet.” She smiled and left the room, leaving Alex to wonder.

  Elizabeth and Darcy arrived just in time to wish them a pleasant walk and to decline Georgiana’s obviously insincere request for their company. Darcy stood at a window, watching them depart until Elizabeth took his hand and guided him back to the study. They left the door open so they would hear when the party returned.

  BINGLEY SAT scowling at the letter in his hand. Jane, well over seven months pregnant, entered his study and was taken aback by the very uncharacteristic expression on his face. “Charles! Whatever is wrong?”

  So angry was he that it took several more attempts and Jane’s cautiously applied hand on his arm to draw him back. He blinked and looked up to her concerned gaze. “Jane, I did not see you enter!”

  “Obviously, Charles. Please tell me what is wrong?”

  He sighed. “It seems we are to receive an unexpected and honestly unwanted visitor. Caroline is coming, and will likely arrive today.”

  “Oh Charles!”

  “I am sorry Jane; I do not see how we can refuse her.”

  Jane sank slowly into the chair opposite his desk and closed her eyes. “How long does she say she will stay?”

  “She does not.”

  “Charles, Elizabeth and William are planning to come here in four weeks and stay until the baby comes. I want my sister with me at that time. You and I both know that William will not stay under the same roof with Caroline.”

  Bingley nodded and rubbed his face. “I know, Jane. Darcy is always ready to listen to me speak to him about Caroline, but he has no intention of ever spending time with her again. I will speak to her when she comes. Perhaps she only plans to stay a short time.” He looked up at his wife. They both knew that was wishful thinking.

  “Perhaps I should write to Elizabeth; maybe she could speak to William, and make an exception.” Jane said half-heartedly.

  “Please wait to do that, dear. We have four weeks. Perhaps Caroline has changed. I wish for us all to get along. I hate the thought of my sister’s presence under our roof keeping the Darcys away.” He was a man who hated conflict, but he saw his wife’s distressed face. “I am so sorry Jane.”

  “Charles, I know how difficult it was for you to . . . let Caroline go her own way. You have so little family, but your aunt’s letters . . . she says that Caroline is so odd, so unhappy, her rages and then times of calm. It seems so frightening!”

  “Yes, but what can we do? She is not mentally incompetent, we cannot put her in Bedlam, she is angry, that is all.” His frustration was apparent, and he raked his hand through his already unruly hair.

  Jane sat forward on her chair and pleaded to him. “But her anger is directed to Elizabeth! She still sees her as the reason for her situation, and does she still not harbour feelings for William?”

  Charles nodded. “It seems so.”

  “What might she do if she sees either of them?” Jane was worried.

  “I cannot imagine her harming either one of them. If anything, I foresee a verbal confrontation.” He added softly, “One that might cost me my best friend.”

  “Oh Charles, we must tell them!” She rose and came to stand next to him.

  He took her hand. “Well, she is arriving today. Let us see what she is like. Let us give her a chance. Perhaps . . . perhaps all will be well. We have some time. I am truly hoping that we will all get along.”

  “As am I.” She straightened her shoulders. “Well, if we are to have a guest, I had best alert the staff to prepare a room for her. I will not tell Elizabeth she is here.” She smiled slightly, hoping for the best. “If she remains here when they come, perhaps it would be best to leave it as a surprise.”

  He returned her small smile. “A pleasant one, I hope.” They shook their heads and returned to their duties. Bingley knew it was wrong to keep this news from Darcy, and he sincerely hoped his sister would be gone before they came. He hated the deceit. He hated being stuck in such a difficult position between his sister, and his friend and brother, and most of all, he hated being so weak. He determined to stand up to Caroline and show her he would not put up with her disruptive behaviour anymore.

  Caroline arrived late that afternoon and from the number of trunks removed from the hired carriage, it appeared that she had brought everything she owned and was intending to stay for quite some time. She exited the coach and looked over Lyndon Hall with a critical eye. To anyone else it would appear a fine estate, a beautiful, well-tended park, with towering oaks lining the long drive. The house itself was about the same size as Netherfield, and as the name implied, was built for entertaining, perfect for the personality of its owner. But Caroline was disappointed. She had imagined the estate Charles would purchase to be akin to Pemberley. Lyndon Hall was not in any way comparable, not by size, or by majesty. Obviously Charles did not have good advice and was hoarding their father’s money.

  Bingley and Jane stepped forward. “Welcome to our home, Caroline. This is quite a surprise.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I hope your journey was pleasant.” Jane smiled, her serene expression masking her distress, and led her into the drawing room, offering tea.

  Caroline took in the room, disappointed; the f
urniture was of an earlier era. “The trip was a nightmare. The quality of inns is quite poor between here and Scarborough.” She scanned Jane’s very pregnant figure, angry that she was to be the spinster aunt. She turned to her brother. “You have a very small park and the house is much less than I expected, Charles.”

  Angering, he snapped at her. “What exactly did you expect Caroline? I made an exceptionally fortunate purchase with Lyndon Hall. The house came furnished, and with those savings I was able to afford an estate with lands far larger than our father’s funds would otherwise have purchased. Darcy helped me quite extensively in identifying it and in negotiating the purchase. I am very proud of this estate. Nobody invited you here, Caroline. If you intend to stay, I suggest that you adjust your opinion.”

  Caroline stared at him in shock and Jane regarded him with pride. “I do not appreciate your tone, Charles!”

  “And I do not appreciate your rude behaviour! Now, change your attitude, and we may permit you to stay.” He rose and stared out of the window. It took a very great effort to stand up to Caroline, and he knew that he would not be able to fend her off for much longer.

  Caroline regarded her brother’s back. She really had no place to go. Her aunt had practically ordered her away from Scarborough, and repeatedly reminded her that it was time to find her own home, alone. She did not want to live by herself and knew that she needed to ingratiate herself with her brother. She also desperately hoped for the opportunity to see Mr. Darcy again. She could not let him go; her years of obsession with him had become an integral part of her being.

  “Very well, Charles. I will try to appreciate your home.”

  Relieved, Bingley smiled. “Thank you, Caroline; I am sure that you will.”

  APRIL ARRIVED and Elizabeth’s condition could no longer be hidden by her skirts. Her little bump had expanded to the size of ball. It was time to leave for Pemberley. Darcy was thrilled for many reasons. He was delighted to escape the Season, he was anxious to perform his duties at home, and most of all, it meant that the time was passing and he and Elizabeth would soon be parents. Georgiana’s belongings were packed and the family gathered at Matlock House to welcome her and farewell the couple.

  After the family dinner, the gentlemen retired to Lord Matlock’s library for their port. “Well Darcy, have you any late instructions for us before relinquishing Georgiana’s Season to our supervision?” Lord Matlock asked.

  Darcy grimaced. “I think that she is safe in your hands, Uncle.”

  “Is there any gentleman in particular you favour or not?”

  He sipped his drink. He had made his decision after watching Georgiana and Alex carefully every time they met. Alex was at nearly every dance, called on her, took walks, attended their church, did everything he could to court her. He had never wavered. Elizabeth assured him of Georgiana’s feelings and Alex’s sincerity.

  “Alex Carrington.”

  “Yes?”

  Darcy sighed. “I have spoken to him. He asked for permission to court her. I have granted it.” He looked miserable.

  “You seem unhappy, Darcy.” He just glanced at his uncle. “You do not wish to let go.” He nodded, understanding.

  “No, but I must. Elizabeth’s father was the example of a man who could not let go. I will not be that man.” He sighed. “Alex is a good man.”

  Lord Matlock regarded Darcy carefully. “I hope you have many sons, Darcy. I hate to see you let another girl go.”

  Darcy smiled. “I will be overjoyed with any child.”

  That evening when he said goodbye to Georgiana, he felt as if he would never see her again. Gone was the little girl he played with and then tried to protect and raise. The next time he saw her, she would be a woman, one he would have to give to another man. He kissed her goodbye and climbed into the carriage to return to his home. In the darkness he was so glad that Elizabeth was with him. He was not facing this alone.

  Chapter 41

  Caroline stood near the window of her bedchamber, looking out at the park of Lyndon Hall. The warm spring breeze brought with it the scent of the flower beds, now bursting with colour and new life after the cold Derbyshire winter. Cold as it was, it could not compare to the harsh winter she experienced at Scarborough. There she had only the company of her Aunt Rachel, and the other older relatives who still worked there in trade, some working for her brother. The bleakness of the setting only mirrored her mood. Her despondency and then regular fits of rage drove the servants to avoid her. Her aunt, a widow in her fifties with no patience for poor behaviour, lectured her almost constantly on improving her deportment, and threatened her with homelessness if she did not change her ways. Caroline refused to change. She was sure that at any moment Louisa or Charles would remember her, and feeling guilty for her exile, send for her with offers of residence in their homes and funds to again put her back in society. But other than letters telling of their news, their annoyingly happy news she noted, no offer of hospitality was given. Louisa and Hurst seemed to be spending a great deal of time at his father’s estate. Apparently his drinking was now so moderate that he was almost accused of being a teetotaller. His disposition now so lively, that his parents wished for him to live with them, and were eager to see him take the reins of the family’s estate, an estate ironically smaller than Lyndon Hall.

  Then there was Charles. He was now one of the landed gentry, fulfilling his father’s dream to raise the Bingley name to one of respect in society. She knew that it would be his great-grandchildren who would truly be the ones to benefit from this first step into society. Their money was too new, too tainted with the smell of trade, but nonetheless, with the purchase of this land, and Jane’s pregnancy, he had set the wheels in motion. He was different now; the estate had given him confidence. His marriage had given him security. He would not be easily manipulated to her needs anymore. His focus was elsewhere. But he had not completely cast her off. Until she found her own home, he still managed the income from her dowry.

  She noticed Charles and Jane taking a slow stroll around the gardens. From this distance, and with the shadow of the trees, Jane resembled Elizabeth. That thought once again sent her into a fit of rage. How dare she take Mr. Darcy from her!

  Caroline attempted to gain control of herself. Her plans would not come to fruition if Darcy met her and saw that she was anything but perfect. Certainly by now he had seen what a mistake he had made with Elizabeth. Certainly by now he had tired of her impertinence. She knew that Louisa was correct. Mr. Darcy would never subject himself to the shame of divorce, and the man she remembered was too proud to admit that he had made an error. She knew that barring Elizabeth’s death, the position of Mistress of Pemberley was irrevocably filled. Caroline had almost come to peace with that. What she was still unwilling to give up was Mr. Darcy himself. Ever since that last night at Netherfield . . . she closed her eyes, reliving watching him again, imagining his movement and feeling the flood of desire spread over her, dropping her hand to rub the ache . . . she had to see him again. With Elizabeth pregnant, he must be unsatisfied. Now, perhaps, he would like her as his mistress . . . She was teetering on the edge of sanity and did not know it.

  In the garden Jane and Charles walked in silence. Neither one wished to break the moment of peace. Bingley glanced at her serene expression out of the corner of his eye and squeezed the hand that lay on his arm. She looked over at him and smiled. “Jane, what is your opinion on Caroline? Do you think she has changed?”

  “Well, it has not been long, but since you spoke to her when she arrived she has been quite cordial and friendly. I would say she is very pleasant. It is such a relief after reading your aunt’s letters. Perhaps she simply needed to leave Scarborough. She has been there for nearly a year without seeing you.” She reached over with her free hand and touched his cheek. “She must have missed you.”

  He looked at her hopefully. “Do you think so?”

  “I do.” She smiled. “Perhaps all will be well.”

  He
nodded eagerly. “Well, there are over three more weeks before the Darcys arrive.”

  “I am not entirely comfortable not telling them, Charles.” Jane said softly. “But I do not know what I will do if they do not come.” She looked at him anxiously.

  “I do not like it either, Jane, but I agree; I need them here, too.” He sighed. They knew it was taking a risk to deceive them, and hoped Caroline’s behaviour would continue to be pleasant. Their gaze met and they walked on.

  “OH MRS. DARCY! Just look at you!” Mrs. Reynolds beamed and could not resist touching Elizabeth’s belly when Darcy escorted her into Pemberley. “It is such a joy to know that soon these halls will be filled with the sound of a child’s voice. You must be so very happy!” The older woman was practically in tears with her joy.

  Elizabeth smiled up at her laughing husband and squeezed her housekeeper’s hand. “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds we are extraordinarily happy, and are especially happy to be home now.”

  Mrs. Reynolds looked up to Darcy. “Now sir, you had best be taking good care of Mrs. Darcy. I will not have you overtiring her!” She glared at him.

  Darcy looked at her with surprise. “Yes, madam!”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Oh no, now I have two mother hens clucking at me!” Darcy blushed and Mrs. Reynolds nodded. Between them and the rest of Pemberley’s staff, Elizabeth would have her every need fulfilled, whether she liked it or not.

  The pair quickly settled back into their routine of running the estate. With the spring planting imminent, Darcy had much work to do with Mr. Regar before they must depart for Lyndon Hall. Elizabeth took great delight in watching the refurbishment of the long-empty nursery. Mrs. Reynolds presented her with baby clothes that she had made through the years in anticipation of a future heir to Pemberley, and Elizabeth, upon holding the tiny garments in her hands, burst into happy tears which seemed to inspire a great round of activity for the outfits’ future owner. Many times Darcy would come upstairs in search of her to find that she had fallen asleep in the great old rocker placed in the room, and would gather her up and carry her off to their honeymoon chair so he could rest with her. Both of them were enjoying this brief time of solitude.