Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  Immediately, Darcy’s concern centred on her. “Are you not well? Perhaps we should just go to our chambers?”

  “I am just tired, William, but I think that we would have more privacy outdoors. Come, I think that I know where we can go.” She smiled up at his worried face, and took his hand. They walked out into the garden, and found a comfortable grassy area beneath a tree. Darcy settled his back against the trunk, and pulled Elizabeth to him, so that she rested her head on his chest. “Now, I will close my eyes, but I promise I am listening.” She kissed his chin, and nestled into his embrace. “Please tell me what is troubling you.”

  He continued to examine her peaceful face. Elizabeth’s hand stole up to stroke his cheek. “Please stop worrying and talk to me before I do fall asleep.” He smiled, and taking the hand that rested on his face, he kissed the palm. He then told her of his conversation with Alex. Relieved, Elizabeth told him of Georgiana’s feelings for him. They agreed that she was in no way ready for a serious relationship. Elizabeth agreed with his decisions on how to proceed. They would just have to sit back and watch carefully, and wait until next year.

  Chapter 29

  The morning of the Bingley wedding dawned with sunshine and a soft breeze. Elizabeth stood by the open window in their bedchamber breathing in the fresh air and did not hear the silent approach of her naked husband. “Good morning, my love.” He whispered into her ear, while sliding his hands around her waist. “You crept out of bed so quietly; I did not realize that you had left until I began to feel cold.”

  She looked back up at him, smiling. “How could you possibly feel cold on such a warm day?”

  “You know that I cannot sleep without you by my side. You have quite ruined me. And yes, I was cold, but I know how you might warm me.” His deep voice whispered suggestively, as his lips began trailing a path down the back of her neck.

  Her eyes closed, “What do you have in mind, William?”

  Saying nothing, his hands began exploring her body over the gossamer fabric of her robe, and he turned her slowly around to face him. His eyes were dark with desire, and his lips burned against hers. He stroked her mouth softly at first; and deepening the pressure he pulled her against him, leaving her breathless and in no doubt of his wishes, his every touch enflamed her.

  “I thought you were cold.” She whispered weakly as she clung to him. His lips descended to stroke her throat and her legs nearly buckled in response. Darcy held her tighter, enjoying her trembling with his touch, and hungrily reclaimed her mouth. One hand rose to caress her breast, while the other fell to slip inside the robe and stroke her. The wetness he felt spreading over his fingers filled him with a possessive pride. She is wet like this for me! The certain knowledge of his wife’s desire made him almost painfully swollen.

  His lips finally tore from hers to whisper heatedly, “Touch me.” She smiled against his rough cheek.

  “Where?”

  He pulled slightly away and looked deeply into her sparkling eyes. “Everywhere.”

  They held the gaze for a moment, then applying her hands and her lips, she began caressing his face, his shoulders, his chest, moving languorously lower and lower, his eyes closed, and he lost himself in her touch. The feel of her sweet hands on his rock hard arousal brought forth a low moan. She felt his body quake as one hand grasped him and stroked, while the other cupped and fondled the surrounding curls.

  “Oh Lizzy, please, please taste me.” He begged, his voice rasping in her ear.

  Elizabeth’s eyes met his and she smiled, “Yes, darling.”

  He watched as she slowly dragged her fingertips down his hips and settled on her knees before him, feeling her own possession. This was her Will at his most vulnerable. She gently traced over his engorged length. Darcy entwined his fingers through her hair, panting with the anticipation of the extraordinary pleasure of her soft lips encasing him. His moan was long and he had to hold onto her shoulders for support. Loving his incoherent whispers, she suckled his rigid manhood, one hand at its base while the other firmly held onto his tight buttocks. His fingers wound into her long curls, stilling her movement, and he began slowly thrusting into her mouth, watching with fascination as her lips took in more of him. Beginning to tense, and not wishing to spend so soon, he removed himself and helped her to rise. He held her face in his hands and kissed her deeply, wordlessly expressing his appreciation.

  Darcy drew away and whispered, “Come back to bed, my love.”

  He untied the belt of her robe and slipped it from her shoulders, then taking her hand; he led her to the bed, lovingly scooped her up and laid her amongst the tousled linen, then remained looking down at her. “Will?” His expression was one she did not know, but one she hoped she would witness every day for the rest of her life. Climbing in he gathered her in his arms, pulling her to lie atop him. One hand gently caressed her back while the other held her head.

  “So beautiful.” He whispered. Elizabeth brought her mouth to his, sensing his desire to take their lovemaking very slowly. She hovered above then gave him the barest hint of a brush across his mouth. “Ohhhh.” She gently took his lip between her teeth and nipped lightly. “Lizzzzzy.” She nuzzled her face into his neck and sensuously glided her lips over the skin, feeling him quiver as he moaned.

  “What do you wish of me, my William?” She whispered in his ear as she continued her gentle ministrations with her mouth and fingers.

  “You will think me a beast if I tell you.” He whispered. She raised her head and met his shy, but hopeful face.

  “I trust you.”

  He responded by kissing her deeply then rolling so he was on top. He kissed her again, and looked once more for her permission. Seeing her smile, he rose from her, and asked her to lie on her belly, and then encouraged her onto her knees. She looked back to where he kneeled behind her. “Will?” His gaze was pleading, and she nodded. He rose behind her and they joined, and he thrust slowly; fulfilling the long-held fantasy of watching himself move in and out of her. His hands held her hips, and her gasp of surprised at his entry and movement enticed him to rapidly increase his pace, sending Elizabeth almost instantly to find her passion. Her cries urging him on sent him into a vigorous, powerful movement demanding her to concentrate on remaining upright as he finally found the intense release that the slow seduction gifted him. Elizabeth’s legs gave way and they collapsed together on the bed, both of them gasping.

  He quickly rolled off of her and immediately pulled her to his chest. “I have wanted to do that for so long, Lizzy. Did I hurt you?”

  She laughed and kissed him. “Did I sound like I was in pain? No, darling, you surprised me, that is all.”

  Smiling, he embraced her. “Well, you are the one who was talking about positions, and this one always intrigued me.”

  “And why is that?” Her eyes twinkled up at him, and she pushed a stray curl from his damp brow.

  “Can you not imagine the possibilities, my love? And the locations?” He grinned at her; the devil danced in his eyes.

  “Mr. Darcy! I never would have imagined there was such an adventurous rake living inside of you!” She laughed while taking his face in her hands.

  “I did buy that book, did I not?” He captured her lips and caressed her body. “I knew it would come in handy someday.”

  “Perhaps you should give one to Charles and Jane as a wedding gift.” Elizabeth suggested, kissing his nose.

  “Hmm. Now that is something they would appreciate more than candlesticks!” They laughed, and cuddled, dozing, until they reluctantly rose. Darcy held her tightly to him. “Thank you so much for marrying me, Lizzy.”

  She embraced him as tightly as she could. “I could only give myself to you, Will.”

  JANE’S WEDDING was everything that Elizabeth’s was not. There were flowers, new gowns, many people, and an elaborate wedding breakfast. Darcy stood up with Bingley and endeavoured to ignore the crowd of people, and only attained relief when his eyes found Elizabeth’s where she w
as standing with Jane. Together, they held each other’s gaze and relived the recitation of their own vows.

  The wedding party and guests left for Netherfield for the wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet had originally planned to hold it at Longbourn, but with the unexpectedly gracious offer by Mrs. Hurst, who was now acting as hostess at Caroline’s removal, to give her full access to the far grander home, she could not say no to the change in plans.

  Mr. Bennet stood watching his wife with twitching lips. Mrs. Bennet was attempting to contain her effusions, and he could see her continually stopping herself from waving her handkerchief. He noticed he had been joined by someone, and looked up to see Darcy standing nearby, his eyes glued to Elizabeth who was laughing with Jane and Mrs. Gardiner.

  “Well, Mr. Darcy, I imagine that you are considering yourself quite pleased that you missed such a display for your own nuptials.” He gave him a wry smile.

  Darcy turned his gaze to take in his father-in-law. “Sir, the story of my wedding will be one that I can imagine my children will repeat with relish. You are correct, though, a wedding breakfast was never something that I looked forward to; the only memory of importance is the one where Elizabeth said ‘I will’ to me.”

  “I am grateful that you did not give up on her, after my behaviour.” He said, gravely.

  “I never would have given up on her, sir.” Darcy said, his eyes returning to their home. At that moment, Elizabeth looked up to him, and seeing his stare and his proximity to her father, she blushed and joined them.

  “And what are you gentlemen talking about?” She asked, looping her arm with William’s.

  “We were discussing the story of our wedding, and what we will tell our children.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips, loving the flush of her cheeks.

  “Hmm. I think that we need to determine what story we will be telling your family first. We have some time before the need to entertain children will arise.”

  “So true, and we may be seeing them soon.” The sound of Lydia and Kitty laughing and carrying on drew his attention, and he frowned. Elizabeth looked at him and sighed. “I apologize William; they are a bit lively today.”

  “Forgive me, Elizabeth, but they seem a bit lively every day.” Noting her cringing at his words, he squeezed her hand. “When does Lydia marry?”

  They looked at Mr. Bennet. “Her wedding is set for the end of September. A good, long engagement.”

  “I imagine Lydia is unhappy with that.” Elizabeth noted.

  “She is, but Lieutenant Denny’s duties will keep him busy until then, he is scheduled for an extended leave in October. It was a pleasant surprise to see him arrive here this morning in time for the wedding.” He nodded to a corner of the ballroom where Denny was talking with his soon-to-be brother, Bingley, then closed his eyes at a high pitched squeal. “Perhaps when she is gone, Kitty will settle down.”

  “Well, Papa, perhaps with the additional attention from you, she and Mary will both improve.”

  “To be like you?” Asked Mr. Bennet, disbelieving.

  “That would require a miracle, sir.” Darcy quietly said. Mr. Bennet looked up, unsure of his meaning. “Nobody could ever be compared to Elizabeth.”

  She smiled. “You are far too kind, sir.”

  He smiled back. “I know.”

  “Mr. Darcy!”

  “Yes, my love?” His warm gaze offset his twitching lips. Elizabeth admonished him. “It is not gentlemanly to deliver a compliment then take it back a moment later.”

  “Are you saying that I am not behaving as a gentleman?” He frowned at her.

  “That is precisely what I am saying, sir.” She frowned back.

  Mr. Bennet looked on in admiration. His daughter had truly found her perfect match, and he now found that he took even more pleasure from seeing her share herself with the man she loved than he would have if she were to stay at Longbourn with him. He could not wait to see how this pair faced parenthood together and hoped that he would be there to witness their joy someday.

  Darcy kept a close watch on Georgiana and Alex. True to his word, Alex only spoke to her when another family member was present. Georgiana was completely confused over her feelings for him since her conversation with Elizabeth, and found herself frequently seeking her sister’s eyes when she was standing with him. Darcy and Elizabeth both noticed that Alex drew many looks of curiosity. He did not seem to be singled out for his resemblance to Mr. Bennet, but rather for his unmarried and wealthy status. Mrs. Bennet, knowing already of his supposed attachment to a woman in London did not spare him a second glance. Mr. Bennet was concentrating most of his attention on Elizabeth and Darcy, and therefore only paid scant attention to the young man.

  Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Hurst discovered that they worked well together, and put on a beautiful display of foods for the breakfast. Darcy was quite hungry and filled his plate with the tempting delicacies, while Elizabeth seemed to be disinterested.

  “Are you not hungry, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

  Elizabeth sat at the table, toying with the food on her plate, and gave her a small smile. “No, not really.”

  “She has not been hungry for weeks.” Darcy said softly, looking at her with concern. “She has been very sleepy, as well.”

  Leaning towards him she whispered, “I think that is your fault.” She gave his arm a squeeze. He smiled. Darcy thought that she was still recovering from that day. She cried so easily, and sometimes seemed so sad. Mrs. Gardiner had other ideas. When the meal ended, she took Elizabeth into a corner of the room and started asking her questions.

  When she left, Darcy was approached by Denny and Bingley who made the introductions.

  “Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am happy for the opportunity before my own wedding day.”

  Darcy bowed and smiled slightly, still very much the reticent man when meeting new people. “I am pleased to meet you as well. I seem to be acquiring new brothers at a rapid pace. Please call me Darcy, sir.”

  Denny smiled, he was a very affable man. “Thank you, sir, and please call me Denny.” He looked Darcy up and down. “It seems that I have received some incorrect information about you.”

  Darcy’s brow furrowed. “I do not understand you.”

  “You are acquainted with George Wickham?”

  “I was; he is deceased.” Darcy’s lips pressed together and he searched the room for Elizabeth but did not see her.

  Denny’s brows rose. “I did not know of that. After how he treated my Lydia, I cannot say that I regret him at all. Well it seems his plans never came to fruition in any case.”

  Bingley and Darcy exchanged glances. “What plans were those?”

  “Before he was discharged from the militia, actually several weeks before, I would say, he received a letter from someone asking for his help to prevent your marriage. Obviously that was unsuccessful, as I see you and Mrs. Darcy before me, and quite happy as I have observed. Congratulations, sir, she is a wonderful woman. I enjoyed meeting her while I was stationed in Meryton.” He smiled, oblivious to what emotions he had stirred.

  Darcy controlled the tension he was feeling and asked quietly, “Do you happen to know who sent this letter to Wickham?”

  Denny shook his head. “No, I do not. He was simply gloating about it, and was actually thinking it would be his ticket out of the militia and into a gentleman’s existence. Nobody who heard him believed it, but he seemed quite sure that he would somehow profit greatly from the letter writer, and I believe from you somehow.” Finally he noticed Darcy’s dark countenance, “I hope that he did not have the opportunity to act on this?”

  Bingley jumped in. “No, no. Wickham, from what I have heard, died several weeks ago, and as you said, Darcy and Elizabeth are obviously happily married.”

  Denny waited for Darcy to respond, but he was far away. He was trying to determine who would have contacted Wickham. Realizing that he should remove himself and that he probably should have said nothing, the soldier
made his excuses and returned to Lydia. Bingley grasped Darcy’s shoulder. “There is nothing you can do about this now, Darcy. Let it go.”

  Darcy stared at him incredulously, and was about to tell him that was impossible in no uncertain terms when Elizabeth approached, simply glowing with happiness. Her elation naturally drew him straight to her side.

  “What is it, Elizabeth?” He could not help but smile into her dancing eyes.

  “I am simply very happy, William.” She took his hand and held it tightly. Aunt Gardiner told her of her suspicions that she may be with child. By their calculation, she would only be four weeks or so along, far too soon to make an announcement, and far too soon to begin worrying her husband. Her aunt recommended waiting to give him the news when she felt the baby begin to move, if it truly existed, in another eight weeks.

  “Please tell me, Lizzy.” He begged.

  “Can I not be full of joy on the day that my dearest sister weds your best friend?” She teased. Darcy looked at her suspiciously. “Come, let us go and speak to the happy couple. I know that we must be leaving for London soon, unless you would like to proceed directly to Rosings?”

  Still trying to read her face, Darcy stared at her for several moments more. He shook his head and kissed her hand, silently admitting defeat for the moment. “I have not heard anything from Rosings, and do not want to go where we may not be wanted. I think that we will stay with the initial plan and go to London for a few days, then decide from there.” He smiled slightly. “If nothing else, you and Georgiana can go shopping for the rest of your trousseau.”

  Elizabeth shook her head, “Ah sir, you have found a way to avoid the dress shops at last!” He grinned, relaxing again. The two approached Jane and Bingley, who were staring at each other with undisguised longing.

  Darcy smiled at the sight and grasping his friend’s shoulder spoke quietly in his ear. “So, have you settled on a plan for tonight?”

  Bingley startled. “I thought that you do not speak of such things!”