Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Chapter 25

  “Such a lovely garden, perhaps a little too formal and fussy, but it is a pleasure to view.” Kathleen Miller turned to look at her charge. Anne de Bourgh lay still, finally finding the peace of sleep after moving fretfully for hours. Her former companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, realized that she would soon die and when she had the opportunity to take a position as companion to another young lady, she quit her position at Rosings and departed. Kathleen, the daughter of a gentleman with a very small estate left to her older brother, had no dowry. Upon coming of age four years previously with no prospects for marriage, she was urged to find her life as a lady’s companion. She seemed to have made it a specialty to care for the dying. It was not a conscious decision; it simply worked out that way. She thought that her next position should be as a governess before she gained the reputation as an “angel of death.”

  She was pretty, with dark brown hair, and wide, sparkling hazel eyes that were often crinkled in laughter. She found that humour aided in both easing the way for dying charges to pass peacefully, and for her to tolerate the atmosphere of sadness that permeated every home where she lived. Possessing a great amount of time to entertain herself sitting by bedsides, she was increasingly well-read, and was always ready to enjoy well-informed conversation when she had the rare opportunity.

  The sound of a carriage coming up the drive led her back to the window. Kathleen watched with interest as an older gentleman and a younger man dressed in an officer’s uniform exited. She was told by Lady Catherine that her brother, Lord Matlock and his son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the heir of Rosings, were coming to visit Lady Anne for a few days.

  Her cynical side wondered if the colonel was more likely coming to view the estate than to see his cousin, and if he would actually set foot into the sickroom. She heard the sounds of servants bringing in the trunks to the bedchambers across the hall. About a half hour later she heard a firm knock on the door. She rose and opened it to the most glorious example of masculinity that she had ever seen. She blushed and her eyes instantly dropped to the floor.

  Richard stood, stunned, as one of the loveliest women he had ever encountered stood in blushing agitation before him. She looked so very familiar. “Excuse me; I have come to visit my cousin. Is Miss de Bourgh awake?”

  Willing herself to breathe, Kathleen raised her eyes to his. She found the deep blue eyes searching her face. What are you looking for? She wondered. “Yes, sir, I mean, no, sir, she is asleep at the moment but you could come and sit with her. She does not rest for very long.”

  Richard smiled warmly at her, “Thank you, I will. Seeing Anne was the reason for my visit.” He stepped into the room and walked to the bed. He gently took Anne’s hand in his and stroked her forehead, then sitting in the chair by the bedside he tried to form a coherent sentence for the woman who had sent his heart thumping wildly. “Are you my cousin’s new companion? My aunt wrote that Mrs. Jenkinson left her.”

  “Yes sir, my name is Kathleen Miller; I have been here eight days.” She finally felt the blush fading and was able to smile. The blush immediately returned when she saw his face light up at the sound of her name.

  “Forgive me, Miss Miller. I have entirely forgotten my manners.” He gently lay down Anne’s hand and rose to bow. “I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.” She said softly.

  Richard’s mind was working quickly. Talk you fool! You are not Darcy! You know how to speak to a pretty girl! Taking a breath, he resumed his seat and grip of Anne’s hand, the warmth giving him a steady comfort in this not unfamiliar territory. “Please be seated Miss Miller, or would you like to take advantage of my presence by leaving for a time?” He hoped she would stay.

  She wanted to stay. “Oh thank you sir, but I am quite comfortable.” She sat on the chair on the opposite side of the bed.

  Relaxing and pleased, he began, “Well Miss Miller, has my cousin been a difficult charge? She has always had a rather biting humour, doubtless inherited from her overwhelming mother?” He grinned at her.

  Kathleen’s eyes grew wide, and she quickly stifled a laugh with her hand. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, you should not speak so of your aunt.” She admonished, her eyes dancing.

  Richard was delighted to detect a sense of humour and shrugged. “I only speak the truth Miss Miller; in fact, I have barely scratched the surface.”

  She pursed her lips together. “It is always best to speak the truth; however in this case, it may be wise to not do so within hearing of your aunt.”

  He laughed. “Not if you do not wish to hear a lecture on proper behaviour for several hours.” He smiled at her. “I see that you have quickly taken my aunt’s measure.”

  She shrugged. “It is there for anyone to see, sir, as you intimated, she is not reticent.”

  “Indeed.” Then, becoming sombre, he said softly, “Seriously Miss Miller how is my cousin?”

  “I would be far better if you were not gripping my hand quite so tightly, Richard.” Arose the weak, but still very cognizant voice of Anne.

  “Anne!” Richard cried. He kissed her cheek. “How are you feeling?”

  “I have been better.” She said dryly. A tiny smile played on her lips. “What brings you here? Are you not desperately needed to risk your life on some foreign shore?”

  “You have always been eager to see me shot, Anne.” Richard grinned at her.

  “Ever since you hid my favourite doll in a tree. Fortunately my good cousin recovered it for me.” She raised a brow.

  “I was a boy! Will you never let me escape your censure for a misdeed committed twenty years ago?” He whined.

  “Perhaps I would if you were not as likely to do the same thing again. You will never grow up, no matter how much braid decorates your shoulder.”

  Richard laughed. “You are correct. I remain unrepentant.” He looked at her pale face and his smile died a little. “I wished to come while I had the opportunity. I will be delivering Georgiana to Darcy next week. Mother and Father decided to stay in town, and since Darcy and Elizabeth will be in Hertfordshire for her sister’s wedding, we agreed to meet half way. I will deliver her to them at Charles Bingley’s estate.”

  “Oh, please give Cousin Darcy and Elizabeth my love, Richard. I am so happy for them. I so enjoyed meeting Elizabeth and listening to her take on Mama.” She looked at Kathleen. “You remind me of her, Katie. You have similar dispositions, and even resemble each other a bit. She grew up on a small estate like your father’s, but hers is entailed away. Mr. Collins will inherit it.”

  “The parson?” Kathleen asked, surprised.

  “Yes, my cousin Darcy married Mr. Collin’s cousin. It was a love match.” She laughed and looked at Richard. “A very obvious love match, they never left each other alone.”

  Richard blushed slightly, remembering how much he wished Elizabeth would favour him instead. “Yes, and Darcy is quite possessive of her.” He then looked into Kathleen’s eyes. “It is wonderful to see such a match. They both were determined to marry for love.”

  “I think that is a most admirable goal, especially if finances are not an issue.” She returned his gaze.

  At that moment the door opened and Lord Matlock entered. “Richard, there you are, your aunt’s steward wished to speak to you. Mr. Lawrence is waiting in the study.” He then turned and saw his niece. “Anne! How are you? Your aunt sends her love, as does Georgiana.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I am doing as well as I can, Uncle.”

  Richard rose to leave. “Father, this is Miss Miller, Anne’s new companion. Miss Miller, this is my father, Lord Matlock.” His father looked at his son with surprise. Ordinarily he would not introduce him to a servant.

  He looked at the small woman, and nodded his head. “I am happy to see that my niece has a companion to cheer her, Miss Miller.”

  “Thank you, sir.” She whispered.

  “If you will excuse me, I will take my leave. Anne, I will return l
ater.” Richard bowed to his cousin, and catching Kathleen’s eye, nodded to her.

  Lord Matlock followed him out. He observed the dreamy countenance of his usually imperturbable son. “What was that about, Richard?”

  “What?” He asked defensively. “Is it not polite to make introductions to unknown people when in a room?”

  “To a servant?”

  “She is not a servant. She is a gentleman’s daughter and a companion. She has nothing to be ashamed of.” He heatedly replied.

  Lord Matlock’s lips twitched. “My mistake, Son. Forgive me.” They walked quietly for a moment. “Perhaps you should consult your Cousin Darcy for advice on courting impoverished gentlemen’s daughters.”

  “Father!” Richard cried and reddened as Lord Matlock laughed.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Richard was up early and decided to take a walk around the park, now looking at it with the eyes of an owner instead of a reluctant visitor. Lady Catherine had been oddly silent. He was not sure if she was upset with Anne’s health or his presence as the heir. He hated that he spent the day before immersed in estate matters with his father and Mr. Lawrence. He knew that it was wise to be fully aware of the status of things when the inevitable day arrived that Anne died, but it still made him feel greedy, waiting like an avaricious man, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. As he walked he found himself near the parsonage and thought of the man who lived there. He was exactly the picture of the man he himself was trying not to be. Mr. Collins made no secret of his eager anticipation of becoming the Master of Longbourn. Seeing the small man leaving the front door of his home and walking into the village, Richard decided to pay a call on his wife.

  “Mrs. Collins, how very good it is to meet you again! I see that you have lost all of your company?” Richard said after he was asked to be seated by the always serene lady.

  “Yes, Colonel, my sister departed just a few weeks ago. I miss her very much, and of course, I miss the company of my friend, Mrs. Darcy.” She smiled at him.

  “Ah, so you know of their nuptials? I imagine that your family sent you a report?”

  “Indeed, it was quite the talk of Hertfordshire, first that it happened, but more the way it all took place set tongues wagging. I am afraid that your cousin made quite a display of affection to my friend in front of the church.” She raised a brow, and pursed her lips, hiding her smile.

  “Did he now? Well, that is one story I will have to hear. In fact, I will hopefully hear it quite soon. I am taking Miss Darcy to Hertfordshire in a few days to meet her brother and new sister, and they will take her the rest of the way back to Pemberley. One of the reasons I stopped today was to see if you would like me to deliver a letter to Elizabeth, or perhaps your own family?”

  “Thank you, that is very kind of you. I will have the letters ready for you tomorrow morning. When do you depart?”

  “My father and I expect to leave by nine o’clock. I will just have the carriage stop here on our way out of the gate.”

  “That will be fine. I am anxious to write to Eliza in any case, after her horrifying experience. I hope that she is recovering.”

  Richard startled. “Forgive me, Mrs. Collins, but did you say that Elizabeth suffered a horrifying experience? What happened and when? Is she well?”

  “Oh, I am so sorry Colonel; I assumed that you knew. You are so close to your cousin, Mr. Darcy. I hate to be the bearer of such news.” Charlotte bit her lip, not knowing what to do.

  “I imagine that my Cousin may have desired to tell me news of such a painful nature in person. But Mrs. Collins, I would truly appreciate knowing what it is, if you feel able to tell me?”

  Charlotte let out a breath and nodded her head. “Perhaps it would be easier if you simply read Eliza’s letter. She did not tell her sister Jane yet. That I do know. I believe that she would wish to tell her in person. If you will excuse me a moment, I will get the letter for you.” She left the room and soon returned.

  Richard opened it, and read. His face betrayed the emotions that he felt. Elizabeth held little back in her description, it was obviously terrifying. “Wickham!” Richard muttered. He dropped the letter and started pacing the room, incensed. He wanted to find the cur and kill him. He was happy to hear that Darcy had soundly beaten him, but he wanted to do more. He could not even begin to imagine the suffering that both of them endured. Finally he sat back down. Charlotte had observed his agitation with calm concern, it was fascinating to see his mind working as he paced, and feel the power of his feelings radiating from him.

  Turning to her, he said in a barely controlled voice, “Thank you for sharing that letter with me, Mrs. Collins. I agree. My cousin would have wished to tell me this in person. He knows that I would want to question him on every detail, and that cannot be accomplished in a page. I am, however, grateful for knowing this before I see him. It will make starting the conversation much easier.” He let out a breath, and looking up at her, he asked, “How do you think Elizabeth will be?”

  “She will try to put a happy face on it and hide her feelings from those she loves. I doubt that she will tell many about the incident.” She said thoughtfully, “I think, however, that she will be able to talk to her husband about it. They have shared many painful memories with each other already. Their marriage is very unusual and strong.”

  “The advantage of a love match.” Richard said, musing to himself.

  “Indeed.” Charlotte agreed, thinking of her own marriage of convenience.

  Richard soon took his leave, thanking Charlotte again for her kindness, and walked back towards Rosings, his mind dwelling on the news. He would speak to his father about it on their long carriage ride home. His mind was so occupied that he did not notice he was about to walk directly into Kathleen, who was taking a short break from her duties to enjoy the sunshine while Anne slept.

  “Colonel! Please, watch yourself!” She cried, quickly sidestepping the marching soldier.

  “Miss Miller! Forgive me! My mind was very much engaged, and I did not see you!” He said, completely embarrassed at his inattention.

  She laughed. “That is quite all right, sir. I should have known that a man travelling at such a rate should be avoided at all costs!”

  He smiled. “Do you truly feel that I am a man to be avoided, Miss Miller?”

  She blushed and looked down. “No, not at all, I. . .”

  “Forgive me, Miss Miller, I do not wish to discompose you.” He enjoyed her blush. “May I ask; how is my cousin faring today?”

  Recovering, she looked back into his concerned blue eyes. “She is very weak sir, I am afraid that she will not be with us for long.”

  “Are you certain?” Kathleen noted his pain with compassion. “I have experience with death, but that is on the battlefield, so it looks quite different from this slow wasting that Anne has dealt with for years. I see that she is weaker, but I cannot see any particular signs.”

  “I have been the companion for a number of dying ladies over the last four years, sir, and yes there are certain subtle signs that I have learned to observe. I would truly not expect her to be with us more than a month longer.” She touched her hand to his arm for a moment, and withdrew. “I am sorry to give you such news, but I find that it is best to be prepared for the inevitable.”

  Richard closed his eyes with her touch, and said, almost to himself, “I have seen enough of death.” He then opened them to see Kathleen’s understanding gaze. “I imagine that you have as well, Miss Miller.”

  She nodded. “That I have, sir.”

  “What will you do when my cousin passes?” He asked, both for her sake and his own.

  “I do not know. I hope that perhaps Lady Catherine would wish for a companion, but I also thought that it would be nice to perhaps be a governess instead, and work with young, healthy children for a change.” She looked at him sadly.

  “You are weary of your life?” He asked gently, watching her face, thinking how much this lady would understand the secret pai
n that every soldier who had seen war knows.

  She laughed slightly, “It is the life I have been dealt, sir. I have no choice.”

  “Until very recently I thought the same thing of myself. You never know when chance will come and change everything.” He looked deeply into her eyes.

  She caught her breath and returned his steady gaze. “I suppose that I will just have to wait for good fortune to smile on me, then.”

  “Perhaps we should return to the house now, Miss Miller.” He offered her his arm, and hesitating a moment, she took it. “I will be departing tomorrow with my father, and travelling to Hertfordshire. I will soon return and stay here with my aunt. I think that she would like the support of family about her at this time.” He paused, then making a decision he continued, “I hope to spend time talking with you on my next visit, Miss Miller.” He smiled, his face showing the hope that he felt.

  “I would be happy to discuss any topic you would find interesting, Colonel.” She replied, returning his smile.

  “Excellent! I look forward to it!” He gave her a heart-stopping smile. He led her into the house and left to meet with his father. He spent the afternoon visiting with Anne, sharing stories of their childhoods, sometimes with Kathleen in the room, laughing along with them. The next morning they departed, promising a relieved Lady Catherine that he would return soon, and stopped to collect the letters for Hertfordshire. Lord Matlock saw the thoughtful expression on his son’s face, and wondered what it could mean.

  THE SECOND DAY after he brought Elizabeth home, Darcy reluctantly, but determinedly, left her side for two hours while she slept. He saw her drink the doctor’s powders and knew she would be peaceful for the time that he would be gone. The magistrate and constable asked him to provide his testimony about the event; they had agreed to Darcy’s demand that they wait to interview Elizabeth later in the week when she was a little stronger. He and the constable offered to come to Pemberley, but Darcy declined. He wished to go to them, and see for himself the reality of Wickham in custody where he would remain until the travelling judge next came to Derbyshire, which could be months away. Darcy wanted to be assured of the devil’s spawn’s exact location, and to deliver a message.