A Chance Encounter in Pemberley Woods Read online

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  A Chance Encounter in Pemberley Woods

  Copyright © 2019 by Brigid Huey

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any format whatsoever. For information: P.O. Box 34, Oysterville WA 98641

  ISBN: 978-1-68131-034-3

  Cover design by Janet Taylor

  Layout by Ellen Pickels

  Dedication

  To Kevin, Evelyn, and Tristan

  —my own happily ever after

  Chapter One

  Fitzwilliam Darcy glanced at the sky, noting the ominous black clouds gathering over the hills near Pemberley. He could already hear the deep rumbles of thunder within them though they were still a few miles off. He would likely be drenched in a few minutes, for there was no way he would reach his home before the skies released their torrent. Although he felt sorry that his horse Falcon would have to ride through the rain, for himself he felt only relief. Perhaps the storm would purge him of his restlessness.

  It was worth a thorough drenching to have a few precious hours alone without having to endure the constant sycophantic posturing of Miss Bingley. Darcy felt a momentary twinge of regret at leaving Georgiana with the Bingley sisters. Yet he knew that she understood. He had become downright uncivil last night at dinner, and it was Georgiana who had urged him to ride ahead. She knew how much solitude calmed his temper.

  What she did not know was the reason for his agitation. Caroline Bingley’s attempts to secure him as a husband were irritating to be sure, but it was not this alone that troubled him. Miss Bingley’s behavior reminded him of his own in months past, and he felt the sting of shame as the woman spoke slightingly of others. She was proud and unfeeling just as he had been.

  Darcy thought again of Elizabeth Bennet’s just reproofs. She had accused him of arrogance and conceit, and rightly so. Her adamant refusal of his proposal still made him shudder. What a fool he had been! He had asked for her hand with such pride of purpose, absolutely assured of her acceptance.

  A slight rain began to fall as he pulled Falcon up short and mentally shook himself. He was done dwelling on his own failings, having vowed instead to attend to his faults through action. Glancing again at the sky, he decided to take the shorter path through the woods. The path was narrow, but Falcon was sure-footed, and no one would be out walking in this weather.

  As committed as he was to leaving the past behind, Darcy could not rid himself of one scathing rebuke. Elizabeth’s words came back to him as they did almost every day. “You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.”

  It mattered not that his respect for her opinion traveled so far as to influence his behavior. His attention to her criticisms would not change the truth. Elizabeth Bennet had no wish to know him, let alone marry him. She was not his, and she would never be.

  Lightning flashed as the rain began to pour down in earnest, and Darcy quickened his pace. As he rounded the familiar bend that took him to the clearing just a mile from Pemberley, he was startled to realize he was no longer alone. A woman was standing in the open space between the trees, staring up at the sky.

  “Madam! Are you quite well?”

  He dismounted at once and approached her, noticing as he did so that she was holding a large bundle. She had turned her back when he rode into the clearing, and her attention was now on the blankets in her arms.

  She was petite, the bundle seemingly overwhelming her person. The harsh wind had blown her bonnet, so it hung from her neck by its light-blue ribbon. Her chestnut curls had fallen out of their coif, and they blew about her in a wild manner. His heart clenched. Good God, she looked like…

  “Elizabeth!”

  She had turned and looked up, and she now stood staring at him despite the unforgiving wind.

  “Mr. Darcy!” She seemed frozen—aghast and almost fearful.

  Lightning flashed, and he remembered himself at last. “Forgive me, Miss Bennet. Might I enquire whether you need assistance? The weather has turned dangerous; we must seek shelter.”

  “I—I became lost in the woods,” she stammered. “The child—she needs help.”

  He tore his gaze away from her face, from those eyes he had pictured so often during the past lonely months. The bundle she held in her arms was indeed a child. He felt as though ice had been poured into his very soul.

  A gust of wind brought him back to his senses. She and the child needed help. He looked up, dismayed to find the heart of the black clouds much closer now. They would have to hurry.

  “Miss Elizabeth, we must seek shelter at Pemberley. It is but a few miles from here. Please, allow me to aid you both. If you would consent to sit astride my horse, I can take us all to safety.”

  She hesitated, no doubt reluctant to accept his help. He could not fathom how she had come to be in Pemberley Woods, but Darcy could well believe Elizabeth had no desire to accompany him in such an intimate manner. He never would have suggested it were it not for the violent storm that was nearly upon them. Finally, she met his gaze and nodded her consent.

  ***

  Elizabeth’s heart could not possibly beat any harder. Mr. Darcy, of all men! That he should happen upon her now—and with a child in her arms! What must he think of her?

  There was no time for her to better prepare, however, for he was next to her in a moment, his hand gently guiding her by the elbow toward his horse. It was beautiful, a sleek chestnut color with a wild dark mane. And it was terrifying. As much as she admired the majestic animal, she had little desire to ride upon it.

  “Hold tight to your child, Miss Bennet. I shall lift you both.”

  “She is not—”

  His hands went around her waist at that moment, and she looked up at his face. Her breath caught as she watched an unknown emotion blaze within his eyes. The moment passed, and he was once again the polite gentleman she had known.

  He lifted her and the babe as if they weighed nothing at all. But when he released her, Elizabeth heard herself gasp in fear. In a moment, he was behind her, a strong arm winding around her waist.

  “Do not be afraid. He is quite safe.”

  Before she could reply, the rain began in earnest, pelting down upon them in huge, heavy drops. Mr. Darcy urged his mount forward, and they started off along the path.

  She was soaked through in minutes, and for not the first time that afternoon, Elizabeth feared for the child. She looked down, trying to adjust the blankets to protect the baby’s face from the driving rain. The wee thing had started to cry as soon as the rain had begun and had not yet subsided.

  “How is she faring?” Mr. Darcy called over the storm.

  “I cannot tell you, but she cries as if she is in pain,” Elizabeth replied, raising her voice against the wind.

  At that moment, a violent gust of wind whipped the trees around them into a frenzy, and lightning forked across the sky. Despite herself, Elizabeth let out a startled c
ry.

  “Be calm, Miss Bennet. We are nearly home.”

  His words were spoken steadily enough, but Elizabeth felt him urge the horse to go faster. They rounded a copse of trees a moment later, and Pemberley itself came into view.

  ***

  Darcy fairly raced the horse up the front drive. He could feel Elizabeth shivering with cold, and the babe in her arms had quieted, which unnerved him. A footman sprinted out the front door upon their arrival. Darcy threw him the reins then quickly dismounted. He turned then to Elizabeth, who nearly fell into his arms, still clutching the child. He led them quickly into his home, leaving the groom to tend to his horse.

  His housekeeper, butler, and several footmen were just inside the front hall, waiting to lend their aid.

  “Mrs. Reynolds, we are in need of immediate assistance. I came upon Miss Bennet on my way home through Pemberley Woods. She and her child are no doubt chilled.”

  Mrs. Reynolds moved into action at once. She assessed Elizabeth with one glance then stepped forward. “May I take the child, Miss?” she said gently.

  Darcy watched as Elizabeth passed the bundle to Mrs. Reynolds. The older woman peered at the babe then nodded.

  “She has cried herself out, poor thing. Her color is good though she seems chilled. We shall have her dry in no time. What is her name, Miss Bennet?”

  Darcy stood, dripping water all over the marble floor. He was weary with tension.

  Elizabeth pulled her ruined bonnet off her head with shaking hands. “I do not know, ma’am. I found her in the woods.”

  “What?” Darcy heard himself reply with more feeling than politeness. He watched as Elizabeth turned toward him. She opened her mouth as if to explain further and swayed on the spot.

  Darcy immediately stepped forward to take her arm. “You must forgive me once again, Miss Bennet. We must get you warm and dry.” He began to guide them toward the grand staircase. “Mrs. Reynolds, please have a fire made up in the Blue Room. And find Miss Bennet some dry clothes.”

  “Right away, sir,” the loyal retainer replied. “And I shall send hot water for a bath. Betsy will be up directly.”

  “Thank you,” he said, already halfway up the stairs with Elizabeth leaning heavily on his arm. He had imagined Elizabeth at Pemberley more times than he should like to admit, but his dreams had never included an Elizabeth in distress.

  “How are you faring, Miss Bennet?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

  “I am well enough, sir, though I am concerned for my aunt and uncle.” Her voice had regained its strength, but Darcy could still feel her shaking.

  “Do they reside in the neighborhood?”

  “We are staying at the inn in Lambton. We stopped here during our tour of Derbyshire.”

  “I see. I shall send someone for your relations as soon as the storm has abated.”

  They paused in front of a bedroom door where a young maid was waiting, linens and dry clothes in hand.

  “Can you manage from here, Miss Bennet?”

  “Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy. Forgive me for all the trouble I have caused.”

  “Think nothing of it, Miss Bennet. I am only too happy that I have been able to offer you assistance. I shall see to bringing your relations to Pemberley at once.”

  Elizabeth dropped a curtsy and allowed herself to be led inside by the maid.

  Chapter Two

  She was mortified. When she had set out for her usual morning walk, she had had no inkling that the weather would turn so tempestuous. And she could not have been more surprised to find the child than Mr. Darcy had been to find her.

  Mr. Darcy. He must think her so abominably rude—to trespass on his grounds, to wander alone with a strange child. He had assumed the child was hers! If his ill opinion of her had not been fixed after their argument in the Hunsford parsonage, she was certain it must be now.

  Elizabeth was not at all sure how she could possibly face him. Yet she had no choice. Her family would arrive soon, and she could not very well hide in this room forever.

  Aunt and Uncle Gardiner—they must be so worried! Elizabeth’s mind was full of unanswered questions and ruminations as she stepped into the hot bath. The child—to whom did she belong? How had she come to be left alone in the woods?

  Though it had caused her no small amount of mortification, Elizabeth was thankful she had ventured into Pemberley Woods. She shuddered to think of the baby out there alone in the storm.

  In truth, she was glad Mr. Darcy had found them. Though she could easily comprehend that he was displeased to see her, he had acted quickly and decisively. Both she and the baby would have come to harm without his aid.

  The kind young woman attending her needs had her dressed in a nightgown and wrapper and settled before the fire by the time Mrs. Reynolds appeared. She brought with her a tray of tea.

  “A little something to warm your spirits, Miss Bennet,” she said. “Chamomile tea with honey.” She set the tray down next to Elizabeth. “Your aunt and uncle were sent for. They should be here soon.”

  “Oh, I am so glad to hear it,” Elizabeth replied. “They must be so very worried. Pray tell me, Mrs. Reynolds, how does the baby seem? Is she in good health?”

  The older lady clasped her hands in front of her. “She is sleeping at present, Miss Bennet, and seems healthy enough. I am quite sure she will be well once her family has been found.”

  At that moment, there was a soft knock on the door, and a maid entered, followed by Elizabeth’s own aunt.

  “Oh, my dearest Lizzy!” she cried, rushing to Elizabeth’s side. “We were beside ourselves with worry. Are you well, dear?”

  “I am perfectly well, Aunt Gardiner. I am only sorry to have caused so much trouble.”

  “Hush now, Lizzy. You could not have foreseen that storm. Here, my dear, I brought you one of your own gowns.”

  Mrs. Reynolds excused herself, and Lizzy gratefully changed into her own things.

  ***

  Though Mr. Darcy acted the part of a gracious host to Mr. Gardiner whilst the ladies were upstairs, his thoughts were in a state of complete disarray. Elizabeth was here in his home. He could scarcely credit it. That he had been granted a second chance was nothing short of miraculous, and he meant not to squander the opportunity.

  Mr. Gardiner was a pleasant gentleman and, once his initial fears for his niece had been assuaged, an easy man to converse with. He was only a few years Darcy’s senior, and it was obvious that he and his wife were well acquainted with both sense and fashion. The two gentlemen spoke of general things as Darcy had expressed a desire to wait for the ladies before beginning explanations. He felt sure that Elizabeth would wish to be present.

  At that moment, the ladies entered the library, and Darcy was again arrested by Elizabeth’s beauty. That she was here in his home brought a lightness to his heart, and he was determined to show her how very welcome she was despite the strange circumstances.

  “Miss Bennet, you seem quite recovered.”

  “I am perfectly well. Thank you, sir.”

  She spoke to her hands rather to him, barely lifting her eyes to his. She looked agitated, but perhaps that was to be expected after the ordeal they had shared. He could not like, however, that she seemed unable to meet his gaze.

  “Please, make yourselves comfortable while I call for refreshments. Then we may begin our discussion of the day’s events,” he said, trying to ease her discomfort.

  When tea was served and they were all sitting comfortably, it was Elizabeth who spoke first. “I suppose it is time for explanations.”

  “Yes,” Mr. Gardiner agreed. “If you could start at the beginning, Lizzy, we should all be grateful to hear your tale.”

  “Certainly,” Elizabeth said, but her manner lacked the easy confidence that Darcy so admired. Clearly, she had been quite shaken by the incident.

  “As you know, I went for a walk this morning as is my habit. I rambled through town and came upon the edge of a wood with a charming footpath le
ading into the trees.”

  She paused, a look of extreme discomfort upon her face. Darcy was surprised when she next spoke directly to him.

  “Please understand, sir. I had no idea I was walking in Pemberley Woods or that you were at home. I never would have dreamt of invading your privacy.”

  Darcy was momentarily taken aback by this admission. Was meeting him so distasteful to her? But no, she had not said that. And her tone was completely lacking in bite. She sounded almost…embarrassed.

  Wanting to put her at ease immediately, he shook his head. “Pray do not make yourself uneasy. You are always welcome at Pemberley.”

  A look of surprise showed in her face, but she quickly recovered and continued with her story. “After I had walked for nearly an hour, I came upon Daisy.”

  “Daisy?” Darcy asked.

  Elizabeth colored. “That is what I decided to call her since I did not know her name. She was crying and alone. It was such a pitiful sight. So, I took her up and held her. I found if I paced the clearing, she would calm a little. Walking the length of the clearing over and over, waiting for her parents to return, I must admit I was heedless of time and space. I only became aware of the impending storm when I heard the first rumble of thunder.”

  Darcy watched her closely as she placed her hands in her lap, her tale apparently finished.

  “And that is when I found you,” he said. He turned to the Gardiners to explain. “I was on my way home. Because I was alone on horseback, and well aware of the weather, I took a shortcut through Pemberley Woods. That is where I came upon Miss Bennet.”

  “Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “I have not had the opportunity to thank you for your help. I am most indebted to you.”

  Darcy’s gaze softened as he looked at her. Her brow was pinched, and her look of agitation remained. She disliked requiring his assistance, he could tell. Hoping to win her approval in this small matter at least, he smiled at her and said, “Please do not distress yourself, Miss Bennet. I am only happy to have been able to assist you. It is true that I was startled to come upon you, but I can assure you that the encounter would have been a pleasure had it not been for the storm.”