Chance Encounters

by Linda Wells

  “We are improving slowly, I would say. We have not seen each other since June, but we have been corresponding regularly. I do not believe that we will ever regain the relationship that we once had, but perhaps that would have changed upon my marriage in any case. I do not know. All I ask from you all is to treat him with civility, and give him a chance. I have no desire to spend this joyful time of year with a roomful of tension.” She looked at them all pleadingly.

  Richard stood. “If that is your desire, then the protective nature of the Fitzwilliam men will stand down.” He looked to his father and brother, who nodded.

  “I have already promised to behave.” Darcy kissed her hand.

  “And you know that I would not hurt a fly!” Bingley added. That broke the seriousness of the moment and the family returned to their conversations.

  Soon the Bennets arrived and after they were introduced to everyone, they all moved into the dining room. Lady Matlock sat at Elizabeth’s right, across from Mrs. Bennet. “It is so good to see Pemberley decorated for Christmas again, Elizabeth. Darcy tells me that you will open the house for visitors tomorrow?”

  “Yes, we have put out word that the estate will accept visitors from the hours of ten o’clock until two o’clock Christmas Eve. We will allow them to wait in the foyer, and small groups will be shown the public rooms, ending in the ballroom, where refreshments will be available. We have small gifts for the children who come. We also have hired musicians to play there. After this experience, I may plan a more elaborate celebration next year. Perhaps we will have sleigh rides, or winter games. We will see.” She smiled at her.

  “My goodness, Lizzy! Such elaborate plans! The ball is only three days away; you have taken on a great weight!” Mrs. Bennet was amazed at how Elizabeth could possibly consider such events following so closely upon each other.

  “Mama, I have hardly accomplished all of this alone. Georgiana has been a great help, and of course, Mrs. Reynolds and our staff have been indispensable.” Georgiana looked towards her with gratitude. “I need the practice, since we will have a coming out ball to plan for very soon!” She teased her.

  “Oh, please do not remind me!” Georgiana groaned.

  “When is your presentation, Georgiana?” Lady Matlock asked.

  “Well, Elizabeth and I are to be presented on February 25th, and my ball will be the next day.” She smiled wickedly back at Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “At least that is an auspicious day to be tortured.” Seeing her mother’s confusion she added, “That was the day that I met William, and is also his birthday. I take it as a good sign that all will be well, and I will not trip over my train!” The ladies laughed.

  Kitty and Mary had been sitting in silence for the entire meal, both quite in awe of their sister’s magnificent home. Kitty was the first to pluck up the courage to speak. “Many of the girls at school will be presented at court this spring.”

  Georgiana spoke before Elizabeth had a chance. “How do you like your school, Kitty?”

  She smiled. Elizabeth had written to her about Georgiana, and she was hoping to become friends with her new sister. “Oh, I like it very much. I am not rich as some of them are, but I think I fit in well with most of them. I have made many friends there.”

  “And what are you learning, my dear?” Lady Matlock addressed her.

  Kitty’s eyes grew wide with alarm, but seeing the kindness on her face relaxed a little. “We are learning the proper way to conduct ourselves in a parlour amongst gentlemen and how to host a tea.” The ladies laughed.

  “Practical teachings, so it would seem!” Lady Matlock declared. “That is better than what you learned, Georgiana. I must say, you certainly came away from the experience with great knowledge of sewing, but little of use elsewhere.”

  “Perhaps because her school was meant for those who would always have servants to do the work, the teaching of such things was unnecessary.” Mary quietly said.

  The ladies all looked at Mary in silence. Elizabeth knew that Mary regretted not going to school with Kitty, and was feeling jealous of the opportunity the two girls experienced. “That is quite possible, Mary; however, I would not disparage Georgiana’s school. I am aware that her time there was meant to concentrate on her musical skills, in which she excels.” Elizabeth looked to her newest sister and smiled. “I know for a fact how talented she is, as she plays and sings all day. My sister Mary is quite skilled with her playing as well, perhaps the two of you could play something together one evening.” She looked at Georgiana with a raised brow, encouraging her to step up and make friends with Mary.

  Georgiana knew that Elizabeth was pushing her forward in a new social situation and she would not let her down. “Oh yes, Mary, I would love to hear you play! Elizabeth has spoken of your talent!” She then saw Kitty look disappointed, and knowing that music was not her forte glanced at Elizabeth for help.

  “I think that Kitty would enjoy helping you choose what to wear for the ball, Georgiana, I am afraid that I will not have the time I hoped to find to look through your things.”

  Smiling Georgiana turned to her. “Would you like that Kitty? And you Mary, I would appreciate your help as well. Perhaps there is something of mine you might like to borrow for the evening?” She was rewarded by huge smiles from both girls, and nods of approval from Elizabeth and Lady Matlock.

  Jane leaned towards Elizabeth. “I never thought I would see the day when Kitty wanted to speak about pouring tea and Mary wanted to talk about fashion!” They laughed.

  Mrs. Bennet nodded. “You see, it is all going as I planned, soon you girls will be able to introduce your sisters to their husbands, and my work will be done!”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Jane and sighed. “Yes, Mama.” Some things would never change.

  At the other end of the table, the gentlemen were caught up in discourse over horses, a subject that Mr. Bennet did not entertain often. He sat and quietly listened to the conversation, looking up when he heard Darcy’s voice, watching his solemn face, and listening to his opinion and knowledge. When the subject came around to estate affairs, he listened even more closely. Every man at that table either had an estate or would eventually. The pride that they showed in their lands was obvious, and the care that they put into them now and for future generations was humbling. He saw how he had failed his family by not placing more interest in his own land, even if he would have to let it go to Mr. Collins someday.

  Darcy kept a close watch on Mr. Bennet, noticing his silence. He would not worry for him. Everyone at that table knew what he had done, although if they knew of the letter he wrote to Wickham, the man would have done well not to enter the house at all. Darcy remained angry and had forgiven him as much as he was able. His only concern was how Mr. Bennet’s behaviour affected Elizabeth; he would honour her request to give it time, and would accept her word that she would never expect anything more from him.

  He looked up at one point, seeing her too far away at the other end of the table. She was watching him. She tilted her head a little, and gave him a gentle smile. Darcy could not help himself, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. She nodded her head, and smiled a little wider. Knowing her game, he laughed softly and his smile grew. Finally she nodded again, giving him her full, radiant, glowing smile, her eyes shining with love. He responded with his own dazzling display of dimples. Oh how he loved her!

  Neither of them noticed that the table had become silent, as everyone there saw the gentle challenge played out by their hosts. As their smiles grew, so too did those of their guests. When they reached their pinnacle, a collective “ahhhh” travelled around the table. Elizabeth and Darcy were so lost in each other that they never noticed it. It took Richard’s voice to break the mood.

  “Well, now you all know exactly what I witnessed at the theatre the day that they first spotted each other. At the time I thought it was cupid’s arrow, now, I think that they just cannot help themselves.” He smiled, and raising his glass
declared with great emotion and greater effort, “To our hosts, may they live a long and happy life together!” Everyone laughed and raised their glasses. Richard closed his eyes and opened them to the sight of Kathleen’s smile.

  Bingley stood. “While we are making toasts,” He looked over to Jane and grinned, “I would like to make one to my wife Jane, who is expecting our first child.” He lifted his glass. “To my dear wife, who grows more beautiful with each day.” Everyone drank, and the room was suddenly filled with the excited inquiries about the baby. She would be due sometime in late May, which would most likely prevent her from being presented at court until the next year. Elizabeth looked to Darcy, who raised his brows, silently asking if she wanted to announce their news, and she shook her head. They would wait. He nodded, disappointed, but still knowing that it was for the best.

  ELIZABETH HAD NO IDEA how exhausting it would be to have the house opened to the general public for only four hours Christmas Eve. They had hundreds of visitors; people from all over Derbyshire came to see the great house. It had not been opened in such a way for seventeen years. They were anxious to catch a glimpse of the occupants as well. As Mistress, Elizabeth greeted the people from her station in the music room. Darcy was excused from the exercise, but he did come in to check on her whenever he saw a lull in the crowd. Georgiana and Jane sat with her, keeping her company. It was by uniform agreement that the remaining Bennets and Fitzwilliams would keep themselves busy elsewhere during the event. If the murmurings of the crowd could be properly discerned, the tour was a great success. Mrs. Darcy was pronounced to be beautiful and gracious, the treats were gobbled happily, and every child left with an apple and a few coins. After church services that evening, Elizabeth gratefully collapsed into Darcy’s waiting arms. He held her and told her how proud he was of her, and she fell instantly asleep.

  ON CHRISTMAS DAY, gifts were exchanged and delight was exclaimed by all. Darcy shyly handed Elizabeth a beautifully wrapped box. She opened it to find a lovely gold locket with a cameo in yellow on the cover. He whispered, “She reminded me of you.” She looked up into his shining eyes and tenderly caressed his face. “Open it.” He encouraged her. She did and smiled, her eyes now brightened with tears. Inside was a miniature of his face, and encased behind glass on the front cover was a lock of his hair. “Now I shall always be with you.” He placed the locket around her neck, carefully adjusting its position, and looked into her eyes.

  “I love you.” She whispered as they exchanged a gentle kiss.

  It was Georgiana’s giggle that brought them back. Elizabeth opened her eyes and blushed, remembering where they were. Her eye caught her father’s who was looking at her, his face a mixture of emotion she could not read. She looked back at William, and said, “I have a gift for you as well.” She handed him a small box.

  “What could it be?” He untied the ribbon, carefully placed it in his pocket, and then opened the box to find a handsome pocket watch.

  “Open it.” She urged. He raised his brow, and looked at her suspiciously after seeing her warm smile. Upon opening the cover he found a perfect circle of porcelain painted with a miniature version of her face from the full-sized portrait that now hung in the gallery. “It seems sir, great minds think alike.” He laughed. “Well, you said that you needed a new likeness of me!”

  She helped him to attach the new watch to the chain in his pocket. He held the old one thoughtfully, “I will save this watch for our eldest son.” The two smiled at each other. “Thank you my love, I will treasure this always. Now you will never leave my side.” He kissed her, so very happy.

  After enjoying a hearty Christmas dinner, the party settled down to play games, the ladies played music, the men rose and sang for them, and the house was filled with joy as it had not felt in years, not since the loss of Anne Darcy. They enjoyed a beautiful Christmas tea, and all exhausted from the day, retired early.

  THE NEXT MORNING saw the arrival of Boxing Day, and the monetary gifts for the servants were handed out, along with a small gift of appreciation from Mrs. Darcy. She was acquainted enough with the staff now to be able to choose a personal item for each that suited them, whether it was chocolate, a shawl, or a good pair of socks. Her attention to detail only raised their esteem.

  While Darcy was entertaining the other men in the billiards room, Mr. Bennet asked Elizabeth if she could show him the library. She brought him in, and looked as he closed the door behind him. His eyes travelled the enormous room; the shelves were floor to ceiling, a spiral staircase led to yet another level of books contained on the wide balcony which surrounded the perimeter of the room. A brass rail was installed along the top shelves, and attached was a strong ladder, for reaching the most hidden resources, a past time that Elizabeth enjoyed often. He sighed, enveloping himself in the scent of parchment and leather. His eye was caught by the imposing chair by the fireplace. “My goodness, Lizzy. You could be swallowed up in a chair like that.”

  She smiled at him and lovingly caressed it. “William had this made after our honeymoon at the cottage. It is similar to a chair that we enjoyed together there. We spend a great deal of time reading together here and in its twin in our bedchamber.” She smiled at it fondly, and looked up to see her father staring at her with tears in his eyes.

  “What is it, Papa?” She asked with concern.

  “Lizzy, please let me apologize once more for my behaviour towards you and your husband. You endured my selfish behaviour for a lifetime, and I am forever grateful that you and Mr. Darcy would even consider welcoming me into your home. It is an honour. I cannot begin to express my appreciation.”

  “Papa, please sit down.” Elizabeth indicated the chair opposite her, and she sat down in the honeymoon chair, feeling surrounded and supported by William’s presence. She drew a breath. “Papa, both William and I have experienced painful actions on the part of our fathers, actions that our fathers performed in their desire to mistakenly protect their own pride or self-interest, and to assuage their guilt over their own behaviour.” She looked into his pained eyes. “William’s suffering lasted almost his entire life. He had only two brief years with his father where he truly received his undeniable and open affection, and then he died. He did not learn the reasons for his father’s behaviour until we married, and he was given a letter explaining his actions. William has, through much thought and time been able to forgive his father and let go of his resentment. He had recommended that I do the same for you, now, while you are still here with me and we have the opportunity to reclaim our relationship. He pointed out that my affection for you was untainted until I showed that I was going to leave home. Our rift, although intense and very painful, is of short duration, and he hoped that our years of loving respect and affection might eventually repair the damage that your behaviour evoked. I hope for that as well. I think that we have made a good effort to re-establish our relationship, and although its nature is forever changed, and likely would have been upon my marriage to any man, I think that we can safely say that it is time to put the past aside, and move on.”

  Mr. Bennet listened, then asked, “You say that Mr. Darcy had recommended this course to you? Has he changed his mind?”

  Elizabeth grimaced. “We have become aware that you wrote to Wickham requesting that he come and attempt to separate me from William for a fee. If William had learned of this immediately after the incident, you would never have seen me again.” She paused, and saw the truth of his guilt all over his face. She closed her eyes with its confirmation, and gathering herself together, continued. “As it was, we did not learn of this until October when purely by coincidence, we shared conversations that we had with others. At the time, William’s anger was of such a level that I doubted he knew what he was doing. If the circumstances had been different, and you were present in our home, I believe he would have called you out. It was terrible to behold. I will not share with you the conversation that we had at the time, but I will tell you, it is a gift that you are permitted here
now.” She watched him suffering, and softened. “But as I said, we have determined that it is time to put the past aside.”

  Mr. Bennet looked into the lovely eyes of his daughter, so wise beyond her years, so full of the intelligence he valued and so confident in the love for and from her husband. “Yes, Lizzy, I am ready to leave the past behind. I thank you for the kindness and love that you extend to me. I want you to know that I never offered a payment to Wickham, although it was foolish of me to expect him to come to Longbourn for no compensation, and I did not know how vile the man was, or in any way anticipated what he would do to you.” He blinked back a tear. “How does Mr. Darcy feel about me? Something must have changed from his fury if I am now sleeping under his roof and not lying in a field with his bullet in my chest.”

  Elizabeth smiled slightly. “He remains quite angry with you, and is in doubt of his ability to ever accept you. His relationship with you has not the years of love and affection behind it that ours does. His only experience with you has been heated and painful. I am afraid that you are starting from the beginning with him. He will treat you in the way he feels you treat me. If he sees love and respect towards me, he will give you civility. From this point, it is up to the two of you.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded. “It seems that I am the suitor now.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “That is quite an apt description, Papa.” He rose and held out his arms and kissed her brow. Elizabeth stood and accepted his embrace.

  “Thank you, Lizzy.” He held her back and looked at her. “You will be a wonderful mother.”