Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “William!”

  “I forbid it!” He declared. “You will walk with me, a companion, or a footman.” His eyes searched her face, his jaw shaking with agitation. “I will not endure this torture again!” He let go of her and strode away, resting his hand on the corner of the house, trying to check his barely controlled emotions.

  Elizabeth knew that he was acting out of fear. She walked to him and touched his shoulder. He closed his eyes tightly and hung his head, but did not turn towards her. “He is dead, William, he cannot hurt us again.”

  He took a great breath. “But what if there is someone else? What if you fall? What if you were lost?” His voice had lost some of the anger, but the pain was still very much present. “Perhaps you have recovered from it Elizabeth, but I have not. I am afraid that a lifetime will not be long enough. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could not bear this life without you.” Finally he turned and stared into her eyes. “Do you understand?” This was not the pleading of a weak man, but a statement of fact by a man who knew exactly his heart and mind.

  “William.” Her soft voice held calm authority, and its effect was the wash of reassurance that he needed. She reached out and took his hands in hers.

  He let out a deep breath and looked down into her eyes. “Yes, Lizzy?”

  “Do you not think that it was a good thing that I was not frightened to walk alone for so far?”

  “I suppose.” He admitted grudgingly.

  “I promise I will not stay out past my planned time again. I will always tell someone exactly where I will be and when possible, I will not go alone. But, sometimes I need that time to myself, as I did today.” She smiled gently. “And, I would always prefer to take my walks with only you.” She reached up and caressed his brightening face. “Believe me, darling, I do understand your fear. I have the same feelings about you every time you leave my side. But we cannot let it bury us.”

  He sighed and nodded his head, then leaned down and kissed her. “Thank you, my love.”

  Mr. Bennet was watching them from the library window, wondering how he could have ever considered keeping them apart.

  They entered the house and were met immediately by Bingley and Jane. “You see, Darcy, all is well.” He smiled reassuringly at him.

  “Thank you for your support Bingley.” Darcy was in no mood to joke about it, and he doubted that he ever would be. Elizabeth knew how upset he was and felt extremely guilty for the suffering he experienced, even if it was in his own mind.

  Mr. Bennet was standing quietly nearby. “Mr. Darcy.” He stopped glaring at Bingley and looked up with surprise. “Would you please join me in the library?”

  Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and saw her nod and smile with encouragement. He met Mr. Bennet’s eyes. “Certainly, sir.”

  They entered the room and again Mr. Bennet did not sit behind his desk. He took one of the two chairs before it and indicated the other to Darcy. “First sir, may I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your defence, rescue, and care for my daughter during the incident at your estate.” He took a breath. “And now, may I please apologize to you for the inexcusable behaviour I displayed on every occasion we have ever met?” He then looked straight into Darcy’s expressionless face. “Finally, I wish to thank you for changing my life. Without your words, I would have lost not only my favourite daughter’s affection forever, but I would have missed the opportunity to begin anew with my wife, and hopefully, my other children.” He humbled himself before him.

  Outside of the library door, Jane and Bingley left to join the rest of the family in the drawing room while Elizabeth lingered. She waited nearly half an hour before it opened and Darcy appeared. He saw her anxious face and giving her a small smile, took her hand to kiss. “You father and I have come to a meeting of minds. I have invited him to visit Pemberley.”

  She touched his face. “Thank you, William.”

  Chapter 28

  Upon returning to Netherfield, they were informed that Colonel Fitzwilliam was awaiting them in the library and that Miss Darcy had retired to her rooms. Exchanging concerned glances, Darcy, Elizabeth and Charles entered the room. Richard was standing, staring out of the window. “Richard! We were not expecting you until tomorrow! What brings you here tonight?”

  Richard searched their faces, and without a word, he strode across the room and wrapped his arms tightly around a very surprised Elizabeth. He closed his eyes as he held her to him. “Are you well, Elizabeth?” He asked urgently. Darcy stared at his cousin, his intense possessiveness driving him forward. Just as he was about to tear him away from her, Richard stepped back. “I heard what happened to you at Pemberley. I am so sorry, Elizabeth.” He looked up at Darcy and reaching out for his hand, grasped it, “The terror you must have experienced, Darcy.”

  Elizabeth, caught for the fourth time that day with a reminder of the event, was not quite as able to suppress her feelings. This time, the tears began to fall. She took a great gasp of air, and tried to hold back a sob. Darcy, always alert for her emotions, was there in a heartbeat. He enfolded her into his embrace, and rested his head in her hair.

  “You are safe, sweetheart.” After a few moments, Elizabeth pulled herself together and looked up at Darcy’s soft eyes. He kissed her gently and wiped her face. “Are you better now?”

  “Oh William, I am trying so hard to appear well, and be strong and behave as my old self again, but I am just like you. I do not think I will ever completely recover.” She reached up to touch his cheek. “I am so sorry for frightening you when I walked today; it was thoughtless of me to even risk worrying you. I was just trying to find a way to feel the way I did before . . .” Her voice trailed into a whisper and her tears slowly tracked down her cheek. Darcy knew full well that her calm and placating reaction that afternoon when she found him so panicked with her absence was her way of reassuring him. She was being strong when he was weak. He thought of how many times he needed to do the exact same thing for her over the past month when he had to leave her to work on Pemberley. How many times did he return home to find her sitting on the steps of the house, hugging herself, waiting . . .?

  He held her to him, ignoring the presence of the other two men. “I do understand Lizzy, I do. I know how you are trying to prove to yourself and everyone else that you, we, are well, and that what happened had no effect on us, but I think that we both need to acknowledge that we are changed forever, and must start again as the new people we are.” He kissed her head. “We have much to overcome, but if we keep talking to each other, together we will be well. I think that we have come a long way already.”

  She nodded and suddenly remembered that they were not alone. She blushed and looked at the two men. “Forgive me, I am so embarrassed.” Finally pulling back from William a little, she took Richard’s outstretched hand. “I guess that it will just take time.” She smiled at the unhappy man. “You did nothing wrong, Richard.” Bingley came over and patted her shoulder.

  Elizabeth and Darcy continued their embrace. She smiled ruefully at the three men who were staring cautiously at her. “Enough!” She laughed, wiping the tears from her face. “I am not a specimen under glass!” The remark helped everyone to relax.

  Taking a relieved breath, Darcy gave her a squeeze, and looked to his cousin. “Yes, Richard, it was an indescribable nightmare, but Wickham’s death has helped us to realize that it will never happen again.”

  “Wickham is dead?” Richard asked with surprise.

  “Yes, he died of pneumonia in prison about a fortnight later.” Darcy looked at him, “How did you hear of this? I planned to tell you tomorrow.”

  “I was at Rosings last week, and paid a call on Mrs. Collins. I asked if she wished me to bring a letter to Elizabeth, and she said yes, and that she hoped you were recovered from your horrible experience. Naturally I had to ask what happened, and she showed me your letter. She expected that you would not tell many people about it, but I was sure that Darcy would rather tell me the st
ory in person, so please do not be upset with her.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I am not. I trust her judgment, and I know that she would not share this with anyone but you. I look forward to reading her letter. I have only told her, Papa, and Jane about it. In a way, I am glad that you have heard it already. I have no wish to again relive it, although, I think that I may have to tell one more person.” She looked at Darcy, who nodded. “Georgiana.”

  He held her tightly and kissed her hair. Then looking at his cousin, he said, “We will talk later, Richard.” He nodded, understanding Darcy’s desire to spare Elizabeth from the conversation. “Have you any news of Anne?”

  Richard’s face became grim. “Miss Miller said that she is fading rapidly, it is a matter of weeks now, if that long.”

  “Miss Miller?” Elizabeth asked, exchanging glances of surprise with Darcy at the sudden blush that spread over Richard’s face.

  “Oh, um, yes, Miss Kathleen Miller is Anne’s new companion. She replaced Mrs. Jenkinson. It is a blessing; really, she has much experience with death, and helping the person pass comfortably.” He chanced a look at Darcy’s raised brows. “She is a lovely young lady.”

  Elizabeth and Darcy smiled at each other. “Well I look forward to meeting her.” Elizabeth said gently.

  “She reminds me of you, Elizabeth; even Anne told me that you were similar.” He said, brightening.

  Darcy’s brows creased. He was very aware of Richard’s attraction to Elizabeth. Although he would be pleased if he had found someone, he hoped that she was not a mirror image of his wife.

  “How are we alike?” Elizabeth was curious how others saw her.

  He spoke eagerly, “Well you both love to laugh, and are well-read, and she is very kind, and she grew up on a small estate with no dowry, but unlike you, she did not find a Darcy to marry, so when she came of age, she was encouraged to go and become a lady’s companion to support herself.”

  Elizabeth was thoughtful. “So she is essentially living the life that I might have had.” She looked up at Darcy, who immediately kissed her.

  “I would have found you, Lizzy.”

  She stroked his face. “I hope so, my love.”

  Richard watched the interaction between the two with a wistful expression on his face. “I will be leaving first thing in the morning. I wanted to bring Georgiana to you, and,” he paused, looking at the embraced couple, “I just wanted to be sure that both of you were truly well.” He blinked the emotion from his eyes and turned to Bingley. “I am sorry that I will be missing your wedding, but I hope that you understand that I must return to London and Rosings. Please extend my wishes for joy to your beautiful bride.

  “I am disappointed to be losing your company, Colonel, you would have added greatly to the festivities. I will be sure to tell Jane of your congratulations. You will always be welcome in our home as a great friend of our family.” Bingley shook his hand sincerely.

  “Thank you, sir. I hope to someday extend the same invitation to you.” Richard smiled.

  Darcy looked at his cousin, concern crossing his brow, “What are your plans, Richard? When do you leave for Kent? Are your parents going with you?”

  “I was hoping to depart in two days’ time.” Richard cleared his throat. “I have something that I need to take care of in London before leaving.” He looked at Darcy. “I have decided to give up my commission.”

  Darcy let go of Elizabeth and embraced him. “Thank God. I was hoping that you would make this decision. You survived Richard, you lived through it. I am proud of what you accomplished, and sorry that you had to experience it at all.” They drew apart and Richard turned to shake his hand. They both were emotional. Darcy knew the horrors that his cousin had experienced. He was the one confidant outside of fellow soldiers that Richard had.

  Elizabeth hugged him tightly, and whispered in his ear so nobody else would hear; “Perhaps now you might find a new future with Miss Miller?” He looked down at her smiling lips, surprised, and a blush spread over his face.

  Bingley looked on, “Are you well, Colonel? Your face is red.”

  Elizabeth laughed, and Richard started to chuckle as well. “You are far too perceptive, Elizabeth!” She turned and wrapped her arms back around Darcy, who held her possessively and was regarding her with a quizzical brow. “I will go up and greet Georgiana if she is still awake, and then I think that I will retire.” She looked at the three men, “I am sure that you gentlemen will be quite able to entertain yourselves.” Elizabeth kissed Darcy, and he reluctantly let her go from his embrace. “Goodnight, gentlemen.” She smiled as she left the room.

  Darcy watched her go and turned to meet the smiles of his two closest friends. His mouth curled slightly and he walked past them. “Shall we be seated, gentlemen? I have a feeling this will be a long evening.”

  Richard laughed and Bingley went to fill glasses with port. “Will you come to Rosings, Darcy?”

  He frowned. “I want to. I would like to see Anne. I am; however, unsure of our welcome from Aunt Catherine. She has enough to contend with now. I was wondering if seeing Elizabeth, the woman who I chose over Anne, would be too much for her, and likely be cruel. We have not communicated since our departure from Rosings. I have every intention of eventually healing the breach, but the events with Wickham in all honesty kept me from thinking of little else but Elizabeth. I do not know what to do. Do you have any opinion?”

  Richard rubbed his face, lost in thought.

  Bingley handed them their glasses and sat down. “May I say something, Darcy, as an impartial observer?” Seeing his nod he continued. “I imagine that seeing Elizabeth would be very painful for your aunt, a reminder of the life she hoped for her daughter, or if nothing else, the marriage she hoped for her daughter, regardless of the reasons behind it. But, in the long run, she may eventually come to appreciate your willingness to be there, if only for a brief visit, at this difficult time. That is what she will remember. After all, Elizabeth is not going away, and eventually she will have to face the fact that she is your wife. Perhaps Elizabeth, in her own way, may be of comfort to her.”

  “I think you make an excellent point Bingley.” Richard regarded his cousin. “How about this; after the wedding, go to London. Surely there is something that you need to take care of in town, shopping for Elizabeth, business concerns, and when I arrive at Rosings, I will send you word of the situation. London would not be out of the way for you, and you would be well situated for travel in either direction.”

  Darcy nodded. “Yes, that is what we shall do then. Send us a note to Darcy House, and we will proceed from there.”

  “Good, I think that Father and Mother will be pleased with your decision.” He glanced at Bingley then rose to go close and lock the library door. “Now Darcy, I want to hear of Wickham.” He placed a hand on his cousin’s shoulder, and then went to settle himself back in his chair. Darcy drew breath, and again that day, told the story. Hours later, after Richard had debriefed him in a way that only a military man could; the men walked upstairs to their rooms. Darcy quietly moved about, trying not to disturb Elizabeth, and was filled with undeniable relief to find her open arms waiting for him when he slipped into bed.

  THE NEXT MORNING, as Darcy and Elizabeth went down towards the breakfast room, Georgiana heard them in the hallway and came dashing out, immediately accosting her brother. “William!” She threw her arms around him, smiling from ear to ear. “Oh how I have missed you!” Then before he could say anything, she attacked Elizabeth. “Oh, Elizabeth! I have missed you, too! Finally I have my sister! I have so much to tell you!” She grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and dragged her away into the drawing room, while Elizabeth turned her head, staring with bemusement at the men.

  Darcy and Bingley stood in awe. “What happened?” Bingley asked him.

  “I do not know; she must have been saving that up for her arrival. She is happier this morning than I have seen her in months, but this level of enthusiasm is quite singular.” He looked
at Bingley. “I suggest that we simply enjoy it, and see where it leads.” Bingley nodded, and they followed the ladies into the room.

  Georgiana wished to take Elizabeth to her room and talk to her all about the weddings, her impressions of Pemberley, and about a certain young man. Unfortunately, her brother and his friend were there.

  “Georgiana, I know that you desperately wish to talk to Elizabeth, but perhaps it could be delayed until at least after breakfast?” Darcy suggested.

  “Oh, bother!” Georgiana cried. Elizabeth tried to hide her smile behind her hand, and Darcy looked on with astonishment.

  “Young lady, you have obviously spent entirely too much time at Matlock House with your cousin. Fortunately he has departed already, and you will be back under stricter guidance.” He admonished. “Now, shall we return to the breakfast room?” He held out his arm for Elizabeth. She rose and took it, smiling at his stern face.

  “Miss Darcy?” Bingley was trying hard not to smile, and held out his arm for her.

  The rest of the guests soon arrived, and Georgiana had no chance to talk to Elizabeth until they boarded the carriage to ride to Longbourn. Alex had been invited to the wedding and was expected to arrive sometime that morning, and the men wished to be there to greet him. Louisa stayed behind to look after preparations for the wedding breakfast the next day.

  ELIZABETH SAW that the noise of Longbourn was becoming too much for Georgiana and suggested that they take a walk. Both ladies were happy for the opportunity. Elizabeth knew that she needed to tell Georgiana about the encounter with Wickham before they reached Pemberley, as everyone there certainly knew the story. She steeled herself for the conversation, knowing that she had to remain in control of her emotions in front of Georgiana. She held back the most frightening details, but it was still enough to send the young girl into tears and hugging her new sister tightly. “Elizabeth, I can hardly imagine how frightened you and William were.”