Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Elizabeth started searching for her hairpins, and Darcy fixed his clothes. When he was finished he walked to her and stayed the hand that was starting to put up her hair. “Wait a moment, Lizzy. I have imagined you like this; please let me enjoy it for a moment.” He lifted her dark tresses and combed his fingers through the soft hair. Finally with a sigh of regret, he stepped back and watched as she wound her hair into a simple knot and pinned it in place.

  “How does it look? Am I presentable?” She asked; a small smile on her face.

  He gently embraced her. “You look absolutely beautiful, my love.”

  “Thank you, William.” She rested her head on his chest, listening to his still-pounding heart.

  “Lizzy?” He said softly, his lips caressing her hair.

  “Yes, dear?”

  “I know that you told me to never apologize for loving you, but. . .”

  “But?”

  “I behaved like a possessive, selfish beast to you, and I do apologize. I do not know what came over me. I was thinking of my needs, not yours. I know that I should not be concerned about losing you to someone else, but. . .”

  “Were you jealous, William?”

  “I saw that he made you blush.” He said very quietly.

  “And that made you jealous?” She embraced him tightly.

  “I only want your blushes to be for me.”

  Hearing the emotion in his voice, Elizabeth lifted her head from where it lay on his chest and examined his face. He looked so shy and so vulnerable. She knew exactly what he was feeling. It was the same pain she experienced when she thought he was engaged to his cousin Anne. She realized that he finally had completely given her his heart, and he was terrified of losing her and being hurt.

  “William, do not be afraid, my heart, body and soul belong only to you. You will never lose me, my love.” She caressed his face.

  “How did you know that I am afraid?” He whispered as he buried his face in her hair.

  “I feel the same way.”

  They silently agreed to start walking and eventually found a large rock near a stream and sat next to it. There they reclined, arms wrapped around each other, Elizabeth told him about her conversation with Richard, and Darcy whispered to her the complete story of his relationship with his father. Richard had the basic facts correct, but he could in no way understand or describe the pain and torment that Darcy confessed to her. When he finally finished purging his heart, they were both emotionally spent. They sat, tightly embraced, his head resting on top of hers, she with her face in his shoulder. They had reached a level of trust and connection that neither one of them could have ever imagined. When they drew apart and wiped each other’s wet faces, they knew that no matter what ever happened in the future, they would face it together.

  They emerged from the trees back into the garden, when suddenly; they came upon a grim-faced Richard. “She knows.”

  Chapter 17

  Darcy’s first impulse upon seeing his cousin was to throw him down on the ground and beat him to a pulp. How dare he impose himself upon Elizabeth? He had observed Richard’s reaction to her from the beginning, feeling possessive of her from the first moment he met her, and no matter how dismissively Elizabeth treated his approach, Darcy knew how serious Richard’s feelings for her must be if he were to dare say anything to her at all. He knew that his cousin was not a man who easily or ever fell in love.

  Richard watched as Darcy thought over his next move, seeing the clenching and unclenching of his fist, and steeled himself for the blow. It was with no small amount of relief that he heard Darcy ask, “What do you mean, she knows?”

  He stopped his pacing and stood in front of the couple. “Aunt Catherine. Somehow she learned of your engagement. She is in a state of affront that I have never before witnessed, and is demanding your immediate attendance. I think that it is best that we go face her now. I know that you planned to tell her before we left, in a calmer situation, but what is done is done. I will stand by you.” He met Elizabeth’s gaze and then look intently with grim resolution at Darcy.

  Darcy stared into his cousin’s eyes, deciding if he should reject his oldest friend’s offer. He was completely confident in Elizabeth’s love. He just needed to decide if he could ever trust his cousin again. Nothing had happened, he thought, and both he and Elizabeth had made it very clear to Richard that nothing ever would. He closed his eyes. Is this worth the loss of his friend, his cousin? Letting out a long breath, he reached out and shook his hand while looking him in the eye.

  “Thank you, Richard; you do not know what your support means to me.”

  “It is the least that I can do.” Richard said gratefully, now ashamed of his unchanged feelings for Elizabeth, and fully appreciating the forgiveness that Darcy just silently extended to him.

  Both men turned to look down at her ashen face. Darcy took her hands in his, “Darling, perhaps it would be best if you return to the parsonage. I will come to you when this is over.”

  Elizabeth saw his worry, and felt a wave of anger come over her. Her eyes flashed and her countenance regained its colour. “No, William. I will not run away from your aunt. We have the support of every other member of your family. She is the only one who does not hope for you a marriage of love and happiness. Her own selfishness is what is driving her, not concern for her daughter’s well-being. No. I will not let you go in and face her fury alone. We will do this together.”

  Darcy gazed upon her defiant, determined face, and felt the strength of her conviction flowing through him. He smiled and took her hand, kissing it. “Of course, Elizabeth. I was a fool to think that you could possibly be left behind. Come. Let us go see our aunt.”

  Darcy and Richard entered the sitting room first, blocking Lady Catherine’s view of Elizabeth. “Darcy, come here. I have been the recipient of a report of the most alarming nature, that you are engaged to be married to that bold, upstart girl, Elizabeth Bennet! I cannot believe such a lie to be true, and I demand that you refute it this instant!”

  “Where did you hear such a report?” Darcy asked.

  She sniffed, her chin in the air, distaste dripped from every word. “My parson, Mr. Collins claims that he heard some talk among his staff about a ring that Miss Bennet was wearing, and the speculation was that you gave it to her.” She glared at him.

  “Is that what you do, believe the gossip of servants?” Darcy said coolly, raising his eyebrow.

  “You know that I abhor gossip of every kind, but this sort of rumour will affect not only your reputation, but Anne’s. I demand that you answer me. Are you engaged to her?” The woman’s anger was palpable.

  Struck by his aunt’s sudden concern for anyone other than herself, he responded, “What if I am? What business is it of yours?” He could feel the gentle pressure of Elizabeth’s hand on his back, and he moved his right hand behind him.

  “It is my business as nearly your closest relation, and the mother of your betrothed. You are to marry my daughter!”

  As he observed her approaching apoplexy, Darcy felt Elizabeth’s fingers entwine with his. It quelled his anger and gave him the ability to address the infuriated woman with equanimity. “I do not recall entering an engagement with Anne, Aunt Catherine. In fact, I seem to remember stating several times that I do not wish to enter into marriage with my cousin, and she has made similar statements about me.” Turning to Anne, who was sitting nearby, “Is that not correct, Cousin Anne?” He looked at her inquiringly.

  Anne, who was enjoying this thoroughly, inclined her head, “Yes Cousin William that is correct. I have never wished to marry you, or anyone.”

  Darcy turned to face Lady Catherine again and smiled slightly, feeling Elizabeth now covering their clasped hands with her free one. “So you see, Aunt, whether or not these rumours are true does not matter. If I am engaged to Miss Bennet it will have no bearing on my relationship with my cousin. You need not worry that I have hurt her in any way.”

  Lady Catherine sat, mouth
agape, staring at Darcy, and then demanded, “This is not to be bourn! You must marry Anne!”

  Darcy looked at Anne, who was gaping at her mother incredulously. He decided that it was time to end the conversation. “No, Aunt Catherine, I am not in any way bound to my cousin, and that is fortunate because then I would not have the great joy of being engaged to Miss Elizabeth.” He turned and held out his hand to Elizabeth, who stepped forward and took it, and then wrapping her hand around his arm, smiled up at him.

  “No!!” Lady Catherine screamed. “No, this cannot be true! How can you bring this lowborn, arrogant, conceited, impertinent girl into the family? Your friends will laugh at you; she will not be accepted! You will live a life of seclusion and be dismissed by society! She will be the ruin of Pemberley and our families’ name. And what of Georgiana? She will be shunned before she comes out. This woman will be the ruin of you!” Her face was bright red, her eyes bulging with fury.

  “No, Aunt, Elizabeth will be the making of me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, smiling down into her glowing face. “And for your information, she has already been accepted by Lord and Lady Matlock, who have decided to give their assistance introducing her to society. I have no fear that when my friends meet her, they will be as charmed as I, and I will enjoy seeing their envy. If they are foolish enough to reject her, then they were never friends of mine. I have little use for the society of fools. I am truly blessed to have such an extraordinary woman agree to be my wife.” He never turned his gaze away from Elizabeth.

  “Fitzwilliam, tell me this is not true! Tell me that your parents do not support this union!” Lady Catherine turned to Richard, pleading.

  He looked upon his cousin feeling envious, proud, and protective. He turned and addressed his aunt with a smirk, “Yes, Aunt Catherine, it is quite true. They have dined with her, and met her family. They even publicly acknowledged her at the theatre. My brother and I are also very happy to give our approval to the match and gladly welcome Elizabeth into the family, and I know that Georgiana is ecstatic to gain such a sister.”

  Desperate, Lady Catherine turned her ire on Elizabeth. “You, girl! How can you aspire to leave the ranks in which you were born? You dare to join the first circles? You will be laughed at, alone; surely you see this is a mistake!”

  Elizabeth unflinchingly addressed her. “Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman’s daughter, as far as that goes, I believe we are equal. As for your claim that we will not be accepted and I must spend my life alone,” She looked up into Darcy’s smiling eyes, “I can think of no happier future than to spend my life in the sole company my husband and our children. If that is my punishment for daring to marry him, I accept it with open arms.” She could feel him struggle not to pull her into his embrace.

  Lady Catherine knew she had lost. But she did have one more card to play. “Well, if you are determined to ruin yourself you will do it outside of my sight. I demand that you leave this house immediately! If you enter into this union, you will never be welcomed at Rosings again!”

  “NO!” The unexpectedly forceful sound of Anne de Bourgh’s voice shocked the room into silence. She stood slowly and walked over to her mother. “You forget, Mama, that by my father’s will, when I reached the age of five and twenty, I became the Mistress of Rosings. I shall decide who is and is not welcome within these walls. Cousin William and his betrothed, Miss Bennet, will always have a place here, as well as Cousin Richard. I have let you continue as the figurehead to this home long enough, Mama. If you do not like my decision, we can have the dowager’s house prepared for you quite quickly, I am sure.” Then turning back to Darcy and Elizabeth, she said, “I congratulate you and wish you both joy. I hope that your marriage will be full of the love and happiness you both deserve.” Seeing Darcy and Richard’s astonishment she further explained, “There was no entailment. Father was free to leave Rosings to his daughter and as I am not married, I am free to leave it as I wish.” Looking to Richard, she said, “You should know, Cousin, that my will leaves Rosings to you.” She turned to view her mother’s blank face. “That should satisfy you, Mama. Rosings will remain in the Fitzwilliam family.”

  Richard was stunned. “Thank you, Anne; I do not know what to say.”

  She smiled. “Your brother has Matlock, William has Pemberley, I have no wish to marry, and if I did, I could not bear a child. I know that my time is coming, and I knew that Rosings should go to you. Now, follow your good cousin’s example and find a bride to bring here and make it a home again. It has been quiet for too long.” She gave his hand a squeeze. Richard still could not quite grasp the enormity of her gift. He stared at Darcy, who had a growing smile spreading across his face. Elizabeth embraced her and whispered, “I hope that you can come and visit us at Pemberley.”

  “I would like that, Miss Elizabeth. We shall see.” She smiled at her sadly, and then leaned against her, suddenly exhausted by the exertion of the argument. With Richard’s help, she walked upstairs to her bedchamber.

  Darcy and Elizabeth faced the silenced Lady Catherine. “Aunt Catherine, we planned to leave here on Monday, but I think that it will be best for all concerned that we depart tomorrow. I will arrange to have our luggage prepared, and we will leave you in peace.”

  Lady Catherine just nodded. “Whatever you wish, nephew.” She said nothing more.

  Darcy and Elizabeth left the room and they walked back outside to the sunshine. Elizabeth did not hesitate to wrap her arms around him. “Thank you, William, thank you for defending me to your aunt.”

  He smiled down at her. “How could I not? You are the single most important person in my life. I could never fail you, my love. And please allow me to thank you for speaking with such conviction of your feelings for me.” He softly kissed her lips. “Do you think there will be a problem with you arriving early at your uncle’s house tomorrow? Should we send an express to alert them?”

  “No, it should be fine. I am glad to be going earlier; it will give us more time in town to arrange to meet Mr. Carrington.” She looked at him, then down at the ground.

  “I think that you are not looking forward to returning to Longbourn.” He gently touched her face.

  Sighing, she shook her head. “I think that you are far too perceptive, Mr. Darcy.”

  “We have survived one irate relative, what is another?” He suggested, as a small smile played on his mouth.

  “That is what I am afraid to find out.” She said apprehensively.

  Darcy hugged her tightly. “Whatever it is darling, we shall face it together.”

  EARLY SATURDAY MORNING, Darcy’s coach stopped at the parsonage to collect Elizabeth. While she gave Charlotte a tearful hug of farewell, Darcy took Mr. Collins aside and told him in no uncertain terms that he was not to spread any rumours of the engagement to Longbourn or Lucas Lodge under threat of losing favour with the Mistress of Rosings, Lady Anne de Bourgh. In wide-eyed obeisance, Mr. Collins readily agreed to remain silent. Darcy wanted the announcement to come on his and Elizabeth’s terms.

  They departed Kent, and after some conversation, the three travellers lapsed into silence and Richard, feeling very much unwanted, soon fell asleep. Elizabeth sat alone facing the front of the carriage, while the men sat opposite. Darcy glanced over at his sleeping cousin then meeting Elizabeth’s gaze, carefully rose and sat next to her, drawing her into his embrace.

  “Forgive me my love, I know this is breaking every rule of propriety, but I recall you once saying that rules were meant to be bent from time to time.” He kissed her, his mouth lingering over hers, then moving to her ear, whispered, “And I could not bear to be so near and not hold you.” He glanced again at Richard then lifting her chin, he softly kissed her. Elizabeth nestled into his chest and sighed. “Could we just stay like this forever?”

  “Lizzy, hiding is very unlike you.” He whispered into her hair. “Please tell me what is wrong.” He kissed her forehead. “Are you nervous to see your father?” He
felt her head nod. “The decision is yours, my love. We do not have to go, but I think that you need to face him, and know if he will accept the decision you have made. You will never be able to move on with your own life if you cannot put the past hurt behind you.” He kissed her again. “You taught me that.” He felt her arms squeeze him, and she looked up into his face.

  “I do not know him anymore.”

  “Perhaps he has come to his senses with time.”

  She smiled and stroked his nose with her finger. “I have never thought of you as an optimist, sir.”

  Darcy laughed. “Caught out!”

  She snuggled back into the comfort of his embrace and closed her eyes. He was soon aware of her soft steady breathing. He rejoiced knowing that she felt safe enough to sleep in his arms, and eventually dropped off as well. Richard awoke to the sight of the embraced couple’s sleeping faces, and watched them thoughtfully, while wondering about his own future.