Chance Encounters Page 8

  “Papa, what is it? You are being far too mysterious!”

  “I wish to speak to you about your friendship with Mr. Darcy.” She smiled widely. “You have known him barely a week and you are accepting a great deal of attention from him.”

  “Yes, Papa, I know that it seems to be developing very quickly, but we seem to have . . . I suppose connected . . . formed a bond . . . It is as if we have been waiting to find someone and recognized each other as that someone immediately.”

  “Lizzy are you out of your senses? Did he put these notions into your head? How can you accept the word of a man you have known for one week?”

  “I trust him, Papa.” She said defensively.

  “How can you trust him? He is a rich man, Lizzy. What does he want with a girl as lowborn as you?”

  “He told me that I was the first woman who asks nothing of him. He has been hunted by mercenary women for years, and . . .” She faltered. She did not like having to explain Mr. Darcy’s feelings for her.

  “I imagine that he tells many young girls a great many of his pretty stories to catch them unaware and then uses them for his own pleasure.”

  “Papa! How can you say such things! He is an honourable man! You do not know him!”

  “Neither do you, Lizzy. There is no reason why such a powerful man would lower himself to gain the attention of a girl with no dowry, no connections, and no great beauty. He sees an opportunity to advance his baser instincts, and that is all. He would be ashamed to show you in public. He will take advantage of you and move on to the next unwitting girl.”

  Stung by his insults she shot back, “If I am so low, why did he introduce me to his sister? Why has he invited his uncle, an earl, for dinner tonight?” Elizabeth fought her angry tears.

  “Perhaps they are simply humouring him. They all share the same habits.” He knew that he was hurting her, but he wished to plant the seeds of doubt.

  “Mr. Darcy is a good man. He is not ashamed of me! You will see, Papa. There is nothing to fear. You will see tonight how honourable he is!” She spoke fiercely.

  “I fear, daughter, you will be very disappointed. He will prove himself to be like every other man, fond of the sport, and ready for the taste of new blood.”

  Elizabeth was appalled by her father’s words. “I will listen to this no longer, Papa. You will see for yourself. He will prove your fears wrong tonight.” She ran from the room, and grabbing her bonnet, continued outside to walk in the park. Never in her wildest imaginings could she think that her father was purposely trying to separate her from Mr. Darcy by creating fictional tales about him. She tried to justify his reaction and words by colouring it as genuine concern for her well being. After walking in the park for some time, she returned to the house, determined to help Mr. Darcy win her father’s good opinion that evening.

  After she left the room, Mr. Bennet sat contemplating his efforts. He felt that he had been quite effective in confusing her, and was pleased. He hoped that the confrontation he planned with Mr. Darcy would scare him off sufficiently to make him drop his interest in his daughter as not worth the effort. He was momentarily disgusted with himself for his desire to end his daughter’s happiness, but soon recovered from it. It was too soon for Lizzy to leave him.

  MR. GARDINER graciously declined Darcy’s offer to provide transportation to his home for Sunday dinner. The five guests squeezed into Mr. Gardiner’s carriage and were soon on their way to Mayfair. Elizabeth was now accustomed to the sight of his townhouse, so her eyes were on her father and sister to register their reaction upon arrival. She was not disappointed. Jane gave a gasp of surprise and her father a wry grimace, which turned into a slow shake of his head as they entered the house and he took in the beautiful interior.

  Darcy stood in the foyer nervously awaiting them and gave a small smile of welcome as they entered. As Mr. Gardiner introduced Jane and Mr. Bennet, he forced himself to tear his eyes from Elizabeth. She was stunning in a gown of deep green silk.

  “I am pleased to welcome you to my home. If you will follow me, I will lead you to the drawing room. My other guests have only just arrived.” He offered his arm to Elizabeth, and she smiled up at him, accepting it. With her touch, his tension disappeared. He leaned down, “You look breathtaking, Miss Elizabeth.” He revelled in the new freedom of using her Christian name, with her elder sister’s presence; she must relinquish the title of Miss Bennet.

  “Thank you, sir. I was afraid that you would no longer notice me now that my sister has arrived.” Although she said it with a laugh, her insecurity in her own appearance was clear.

  Darcy, becoming more sensitive to her emotions, leaned down and said very softly, “Your sister is very lovely; Miss Elizabeth, but I only see you.”

  Blushing, she gently gave his arm a squeeze, and recovered her humour, “Mr. Darcy, if you do not desist in these compliments, I am afraid that I will be permanently blushing. I will have to adjust my wardrobe to anticipate my reddened face!”

  He was delighted with her confession that he affected her so easily, and laughed. “Now that is a trip to a modiste that I would enjoy!”

  “Do you mean that you send your sister to shop alone?” She asked, arching her brow.

  “Indeed I do, Miss Elizabeth. I learned years ago, a man’s place is to provide the funds and stay clear of the dress shops.”

  “Oh. I must speak to Georgiana about this!”

  “She will no doubt be happy to share many stories with you, to my chagrin, I am sure.” They shared smiles, and entered the drawing room.

  Mr. Bennet had been directly behind the couple, escorting Jane. He could not catch their soft conversation, but he could not ignore the expressions of mutual enjoyment and happiness on their faces. He realized that he had failed to dissuade Elizabeth from her attachment.

  The rest of the dinner party was gathered in the drawing room, sipping small glasses of wine. They all looked to the door at the sound of Darcy and Elizabeth’s laughter, and smiled with the entrance of the glowing woman on his arm, and the unusual sight of Darcy beaming down on her. Suspicions about the couple were instantly aroused.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Mr. Thomas Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner.” Turning to his newly arrived guests, “Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, this is my uncle, Lord Henry Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Matlock, my aunt, Lady Elaine Fitzwilliam, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my good friend, Mr. Charles Bingley.”

  For a few moments after the introductions were made, silence reigned over the two disparate groups, and they simply looked at each other. Elizabeth glanced up at Darcy’s anxious face and her soft laugh filled the air. She smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling and declared, “Goodness that was quite momentous!” The frozen moment was broken as smiles formed on everyone’s faces.

  Richard crossed the great divide between them and stepped up to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, it is a great pleasure to see you again! My cousins have spoken of little else than you this past week!”

  “I can only hope that their words were kind, sir. But I must take this moment to correct you. The title of Miss Bennet belongs to my sister, Jane.”

  “Ah, forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. My parents will be most disappointed in my error. Come; let me take you over to them, so that you can observe their chastisement at close range.” Darcy reluctantly nodded his agreement and watched with some apprehension as the couple approached his relations.

  Bingley made a beeline to Jane, and engaged her in his usual enthusiastic manner. He had been momentarily struck dumb when he caught sight of the angel with the golden tresses and large blue eyes who had entered the room, but he quickly regained his composure and strode to her side. Jane in her turn was overcome with admiration for the striking, green-eyed, widely smiling man with the wildly unkempt blonde hair.

  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were engaged in quiet conversation w
ith the nervous Georgiana, which left Darcy alone with Mr. Bennet.

  “I hope that your journey to London was pleasant, sir.” He began. “It is a welcome surprise to meet you sooner than I expected.”

  “Our journey was uneventful, sir, so as journeys go, I would say that would qualify as pleasant.” He eyed Darcy, trying to take his measure. “As for our early meeting, I am not sure what you mean. Did you have plans to visit us in the future?”

  “I will be joining my friend Mr. Bingley at Netherfield after Easter, and he is planning to have the house opened by the end of March.”

  “Ah, well it is good to know that our missing neighbour has finally decided to enter the vicinity. It will certainly please my wife. But do you not have your own estate to care for, Mr. Darcy? How can you afford to spend your time visiting?”

  Darcy tried hard to suppress his affront to Mr. Bennet treating him like a school boy. He could not understand his sardonic tone. “My estate, as you may not be aware, is located in Derbyshire, sir. Our growing season is much shorter than that in the warmer climate of Hertfordshire. I can afford to spend a month in my friend’s company and return in good time to observe the spring planting. I have been working for months on my plans, and my steward is quite capable of implementing them in my absence.”

  “I am surprised Mr. Darcy. I would expect a man such as yourself to leave all of the work to your steward, and simply reap the benefits of his labours.”

  “I am afraid that I do not understand your meaning, sir. I was raised to take interest and control of every aspect of my lands, from the planting to the tenants. A man such as myself would never abdicate his responsibilities to an employee and take credit for work that is not his own.”

  “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I meant no offense.”

  “Not at all, sir,” he demurred.

  The dinner bell rang, and Darcy immediately called for everyone’s attention. He made his escape from Elizabeth’s contentious father by leading the group to the dining room.

  Mr. Bennet caught sight of the library on their way, and his hands itched, wishing to leave the group and enter. His jealousy over Darcy’s riches increased. He resented Darcy implying that he was neglectful of Longbourn, while failing to realize that he had just accused him of that very act to Pemberley. He refused to recognize the truth of who was the better man, but did see already that Darcy was a man who would not be easily manipulated.

  The guests took their places at the table. Darcy at the head, his uncle on his left, and indulging himself, Elizabeth was on his right. She was followed by Richard, Jane, and Lady Matlock. Beside his uncle were Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, Bingley, and Mr. Gardiner. Georgiana was in the mistress’ place.

  Darcy leaned over to Elizabeth. “I am so pleased to have you here at my table, and with so many members of your family, Miss Elizabeth.”

  “I am pleased as well, Mr. Darcy, especially to see my sister, Jane.”

  “I imagine that you have missed her.”

  “Yes, but that is not why I am pleased, now.”

  “Why then?”

  “Because with her present, I have the pleasure of hearing you say my name.” She smiled directly into his eyes. He stared back, trying hard to control his desire to leap across the table and kiss her. Their intense stares did not go unnoticed by the rest of the table.

  “Miss Elizabeth!” Boomed Lord Matlock.

  Startled, Elizabeth jumped slightly, and looking to him, she smiled, “Yes, sir?”

  “I understand that you met my nephew and son at a concert on Monday.”

  “Indeed I did, sir. My aunt and uncle were kind enough to take me.”

  “And how did you find the performance?”

  “To be honest sir, I am afraid that I did not pay close attention. The music served as a pleasant background to my thoughts.” She said, glancing briefly at Darcy.

  “Is that so, Miss Bennet? And what were you thinking?”

  “Surely you know better than to ask a lady her innermost thoughts, Lord Matlock!” She tilted her head and grinned at him.

  Laughing, he nodded. “Quite so, quite so, it was foolish of me to ask!”

  “I am pleased that you recognized that so easily sir, it shows a reasonable mind.”

  “Never let my father be accused of being unreasonable, Miss Elizabeth.” Richard jumped in.

  “Thank you, Son.” Lord Matlock nodded his head at Richard.

  “Not at all, Father,” said Richard, smiling with delight at Elizabeth’s repartee. He turned to her, “Well Miss Elizabeth; let us choose a safe topic, what say you of books?”

  Darcy had remained silent during Elizabeth’s exchange with his uncle, watching with growing admiration her easy handling of the intimidating man. He was less pleased with how his cousin smiled at her. With the subject of books now started, a lively debate ensued between the guests at that end of the table, with all participating equally. Darcy and Mr. Bennet both looked at Elizabeth with pride as she supported her arguments with passion and wit. Mr. Bennet was enjoying watching his Lizzy so much that he momentarily forgot his objective to end her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. Lord Matlock and Richard were impressed with the country girl.

  When Darcy mentioned a story about Napoleon he read in the Times that day, Elizabeth asked Richard if he had ever faced his troops. When he nodded and mentioned his regiment, he was amazed when Elizabeth instantly recalled the details of their exploits.

  “I cannot imagine the tragedy that you witnessed, Colonel.”

  “It is refreshing, Miss Bennet, to meet a woman who is informed of both the details and horrors of battle.” He looked at her with new respect, to accompany his already growing admiration.

  “Will you be returning to battle, sir?”

  “Ah, that is up to our little French friend across the channel.” They laughed, lightening the mood.

  Elizabeth noticed that Darcy frequently looked down the table, checking on Georgiana and sending her smiles of encouragement. She was pleased with how well the dinner had proceeded. She had kept a close eye on her father, and felt that Mr. Darcy had made a good impression on him. Her fears of her father’s dislike and distrust of him eased. Bingley was quite happy entertaining Jane and Mrs. Gardiner, who in turn was enjoying watching the blushes of her other niece. When dinner ended, the gentlemen retired to Darcy’s library and the ladies left for the music room.

  DARCY OFFERED brandy to the men, and watched Mr. Bennet as he wandered through the library, perusing the shelves. Richard, Bingley, and Mr. Gardiner began a debate over piracy and its effect on trade.

  Lord Matlock drew Darcy aside. “Tell me about Miss Elizabeth, Darcy.” He said in an uncharacteristically quiet voice.

  Startled by the question and his uncle’s tone he did not know how to answer. “Has Richard spoken to you about her?”

  “No, your aunt and I were completely surprised, but your favour for her is very obvious. I hope that you are aware of it, Darcy, and are not raising her hopes without cause.”

  “No, I have given this great consideration, and yesterday I asked her for permission for courtship. I intend to speak to her father tonight.”

  “Are you sure of this Darcy? Your honour is not yet engaged.”

  “My heart is, uncle. I was sure the moment I first looked at her, and what I have learned of her this past week makes me all the more positive. I hope that you will not try to dissuade me.”

  “You are not a child. You are a man who has been dealing with the marriage mart for years. You can spot the genuine article when you see it.” He looked at him appraisingly. “I made a promise to your father that I would attempt to stop you if you tried to make a marriage of convenience. He told me specifically that he wished for you to marry for affection above all other considerations. It seems that my services will be unnecessary. Good luck, my boy!” Lord Matlock clapped him on the shoulder, and Darcy, his eyes bright, gratefully smiled at him.

  LADY MATLOCK had not the opportunity to speak to Eliza
beth during dinner, but she did catch the conversation. She had also closely observed her nephew’s open admiration, and her son’s apparent growing appreciation of her. She was delighted to see Darcy so ridiculously smitten. Now she was observing Elizabeth and Georgiana’s interaction with great interest. Her niece became animated with Elizabeth’s company in a way that she had not seen in years. Elizabeth told Jane of Georgiana’s shyness, and all of the ladies took great care to include her in the conversation, drawing her out. Lady Matlock was pleased to see her go to the pianoforte and discuss which pieces they would perform when the men returned.

  “Your niece is a lovely young woman, Lady Matlock,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  Smiling, she replied, “She is. I am astonished with her behaviour tonight. She has been very withdrawn for some years since her father died, but your nieces, especially Miss Elizabeth, seem to have reawakened her spirits.”

  “Yes, I noticed that she was intensely shy when we met on Friday. Lizzy has a talent for drawing out the best in shy people. I have observed it many times. Does Miss Darcy have many friends her own age?”

  “No, she was taken from school last year, and she is not yet out. I am afraid she may have suffered more for losing the companionship of other girls.” Watching the girls look over the music, she continued, “But your nieces seem to have worked some magic on her.”

  “Lizzy had a long talk with her yesterday and she indicated that Miss Darcy was quite emotional.”

  “Georgiana confided in her?” Lady Matlock asked, surprised.

  “I do not know, I did not ask for details, but Lizzy did say she thinks that she helped her.”

  “Remarkable.” She sized up her companion. “Mrs. Gardiner, was it my imagination, or did I observe a certain intimacy between my nephew and your niece?”

  Mrs. Gardiner looked her directly in the eye. “Yes, Lady Matlock, I believe that you did.” Lady Matlock smiled with satisfaction. “I believe that I would like to know your niece better, Mrs. Gardiner. Are you ladies available for tea on Wednesday?”