A Chance Encounter Chapter 1, a pride and prejudice fanfic

A/N

So, I am back with another story - 'A Chance Encounter' hope you all enjoy. Earlier I had thought of completing the story of Lydia from 'The Gift/OSLAGT' but then this story started in my mind – it is mainly about ODC. Since The Gift too was more the story of all Bennet siblings than Elizabeth and Darcy so for a change, I decided to complete this one first. This is WIP and I would initially be posting once a week. May increase the frequency later depending on how fast I am able to write :). As I did with my previous story, would be removing this one too for publishing once I finish posting.

Also wanted to share some experience that I had as I published my previous story. While many people did like my story, as is natural with any story/creation some folks did not like it. When I read the reviews some of them had left, I was very forcefully reminded of how kind you all in the FF family had been to me while I posted 'The Gift' the year past. Thank you once again for all your kindness and encouragement : -). And though I am looking for more of your blessings as I post this new story, I would be extremely grateful for any constructive feed back or criticism that you have. If you notice any mistakes or typos, I request you to take out a minute and point those out. Frankly, all my knowledge of Regency customs and mores comes mostly from all the Georgette Heyers I have read and reread over the years. And though I do try to take care about the language and the customs befitting the period while writing, the fact remains that I am no regency expert and English is not my first language. Anachronistic language peppered with Americanism was one problem many readers pointed out when I published the Gift. So again, if you any of these faux pas pls do feel free to point out.

On that note, if any of you would like to be beta readers for A chance encounter, pls PM me. Thanks for the help in advance.

A Chance Encounter

Chapter 1

12th April 1812, The Swan

Fitzwilliam Darcy winced as the loud voices of the ostlers brawling under his room fell on his ears, and the pounding in his head went up another notch. He turned away from the window just in time to see his valet Banes supervising the removal of the last of his luggage. He looked around the spacious room dully, except for his favourite valise all his things had been taken down to the carriage. It was now time to go back to Darcy House. With a deep sigh, he moved to pick up his gloves lying on the bed. He looked down as his left foot encountered something on the floor and noticed the latest book of Wordsworth's poems, he had made an unsuccessful attempt to read last night. It was never a good idea to read when one is two parts disguised and heartsore to boot. But he had stubbornly tried to prove that things were fine, that it did not feel as if his world was falling apart. Ha! What a joke.

The book must have dropped when he fell asleep still trying to make sense of the words dancing in front of his eyes. Banes must have missed it as it was lying almost completely under the bed. He shook his head and bent to pick it up. As he lifted the book, he saw the paper underneath that must have fallen out from the book. His hand clenched as he recognized it - the letter. The letter he had read so many times in the last three days that he had lost count. The letter he had most improperly written to her, an unmarried woman wholly unconnected to him. Although his heart steadfastly refused to understand that! He had written to her because his sense of justice and pride, the pride she had trampled so badly, demanded that he put up his defence against the unfair accusations she had laid at his door. Unfortunately, he had had not been able to give the letter to her. He had written it long into the night after she had rejected his proposal so cruelly. After a fitful sleep of barely an hour, he had gone to the park she frequented in her morning rambles and waited – and waited, but she never turned up. After waiting fruitlessly for nearly two hours, he had returned to Rosings dispiritedly. Only to come face to face with perfidy from those he had least expected. It had been eye-opening to realize the shallowness of some blood ties and hollowness of that elusive but all important notion of good breeding.

He shuddered again as he remembered his aunt's strident tones as she had berated her daughter and his poor cousin, Anne –

"… not said anything to you till now, but this time situation forces me to speak my mind. You would have to be blind to not notice how Darcy is salivating after that Bennet chit. How his eyes follow her every move."

"Mother!" Anne's soft voice had risen in horrified distress at the crude insinuations.

"Do not mother me, Miss! I know what I am talking about. If we do not take any steps now, he may do something foolish. I used to think Darcy knows what is due to his name and family, but I am no longer so sure of that. Before he returns to London this time, I want you betrothed to him."

"What do you think I can do to ensure this, mother, short of proposing to him myself? And even then, I am not sure he will answer in the affirmative."

"This is no time for levity! There are many ways in which a lady can force a gentleman to propose.

"I truly hope you are not suggesting what I think you are!"

"And why not, if Darcy is proving as stubborn as a mule? You will do well to call him to your chamber tonight on some pretext and then pretend to trip or some such. I think even you can manage that! And as soon as he attempts to catch you, I and Mrs, Jenkins will rush in and do the needful."

He had only partially heard Anne protest in scandalized tones as he had stood frozen in shock. Was this an illustration of her good breeding his aunt was forever prosing about? He had only been able to move when Richard had gently pushed him from behind and guided him into his chamber. He had bid him sit and then offered him a stiff brandy that had slowly made him return to his senses, even though the shock did not completely wear off. Good old Richard! Always ready with support and succour.

After that unintended but propitious bit of eavesdropping, he had felt too disgusted to stay in Rosings for a minute longer than was necessary. Richard had been in complete agreement on being apprised of his feelings. They had left within the hour without taking their leave of their aunt and cousin. The only regret he had was not being able to thank Anne for her stalwart support, but she had already retired to her room and had asked her maid not to be disturbed by anyone. In his hurry to shake the dust of Rosings off his feet, however, he had forgotten that he had not delivered his letter and the enclosed defence of his character to Elizabeth Bennet. It was only when they were few miles from Rosings that he remembered about the letter and realized that Miss Elizabeth still considered him a scoundrel and the real scoundrel - a poor, mistreated victim! Despite his anger with her, he had felt uneasy that he had left her unprotected against Wickham's wiles.

With a bitter twist to his mouth, he now looked down at the letter in his hand and for a moment contemplated throwing it in the fire blazing in the grate. But then with a groan of frustration, he folded it and put it back in the book and kept them both in his valise. He knew it was quite pathetic of him, but he could not throw away his last tangible connection to her, so what if she had completely misunderstood him and so cruelly rejected his hand and his heart.

"Shall I take that, Mr Darcy?"

He came out of his reverie to see that Banes had returned and was holding out his hand for the valise. He shook his head and replied, "It is quite all right Banes, I will carry that."

He picked up his gloves and motioned for Banes to proceed. Once his valet departed Darcy stood still for a few moments feeling quite unequal to the task of facing the world. But then he straightened his shoulders and followed his valet out of his chamber.

~~~§~~~

When he came out of the inn after settling his accounts he found that the carriage was already waiting for him. He had taken but a few steps towards it when he heard the soft nickering of his horse, Poseidon.

"I will ride," he told Banes as he suddenly changed directions. The ride may do some good for his aching ahead he thought as he put his valise in the saddlebag and mounted Poseidon.

"I will be taking things a little slowly. Please do not wait for me if I fall behind and do not catch up with you immediately." He threw over his shoulder to Banes, who nodded a little unhappily as he made his way to climb the steps of the carriage. Darcy could understand his misgivings, he had not been his usual self ever since they had left Rosings and no wonder, he grimaced as he looked back at the past few days. They had not travelled far from Rosings when they were met with a messenger entrusted with an urgent message for Richard. Luckily the messenger was an old retainer of the Earl of Matlock, Richard's father. He had recognized the Darcy livery and stopped them midway to handover the message. Richard's leave was at an end, and he was immediately needed for an important assignment in Dover. Like a true soldier he was always ready to travel at a moment's notice. It was not too long after meeting the rider that Richard was mounted on his horse, waving his farewell to Darcy as the cousins parted ways much earlier than expected.

Once Richard left, the horrors of the last twenty four hours began to tell on him. The pain of Elizabeth's vituperative refusal and the shock of his aunt's treachery suddenly weighed on him so heavily that he started to feel physically ill. When his carriage made a stop at The Swan for a change of horses, he stepped inside feeling the need for a stiff drink. But in the process of requesting a private parlour in which to sit and lick his wounds, he had found himself asking the innkeeper for a room to stay. It was not many minutes later that a bewildered Banes was supervising the removal of his masters luggage from the carriage to the best chamber the inn boasted of. And this was not the only uncharacteristic and less than exemplary behaviour from his master that poor Banes had been witness to in the past few days.

Darcy grimaced in mingled pain and shame as Poseidon jerked forward. He was not proud of the way he had behaved during his stay at the inn. Keeping himself confined to his chambers, imbibing more than he ever remembered doing, totally uncaring of the world around him. This was not a behaviour he had ever exhibited in the past. His parents would have been appalled if they had seen him indulging in such conduct. It was only when he had woken up this morning with a pounding head, disoriented and momentarily unable to recall where he was that the full realization of his unbecoming and foolish conduct had dawned on him. Miss Elizabeth's rejection might make him feel him dejected and heartsore but that was no reason to behave irresponsibly. He really could not afford to wallow in maudlin behaviour and ignore his responsibilities - welfare of too many people depended on him. He had never shirked his obligations in the past and was not about to begin to do so now. With that resolution in mind, he called for Banes to begin packing.

~~~§~~~

Although he had told Banes that he would be taking things slowly, his agitated musings had made him do exactly the opposite and the carriage had fallen behind him some time ago. He had been riding briskly for nearly an hour when he started to feel somewhat lightheaded. He glanced around looking for a place to rest. Thankfully, some way ahead he caught a glimpse of a stream flowing in the woods surrounding the road. On the spur of the moment, he decided to stop there for a while and take rest.

Ten minutes later he was feeling quite refreshed after washing his face and drinking his fill of the cool, crystal clear waters of the gently flowing stream. Unfortunately, the dizziness had not completely left him. It was only then he remembered that this morning he had just a cup of coffee and a slice of toast for breakfast. Darcy cursed his impulsiveness of an hour ago as he felt an urgent need for some sustenance. Had he given Banes sufficient warning that ever dependable chap would have ensured that a filling repast was in the saddlebag, he thought as he turned to look at the said saddlebag a little frustratedly. All of a sudden he was moving towards his horse at a quick pace and had the saddlebag opened in no time.

"Good old Banes, " Darcy muttered as he stood gazing at four juicy apples nestling in there.

"Sorry old boy but today you will have to share your snack, " he told Poseidon, offering him two of the apples.

He then sat under a nearby oak tree and ate his share with enjoyment. Once he had finished his meagre meal he looked around, taking in the tranquillity of the surroundings. 'Elizabeth would love this beautiful and serene place' the thought struck him as he remembered the love for nature she had exhibited both in Hertfordshire and at Rosings. 'Why in heaven's name am I thinking about that unfair and maddening woman all over again?' he chastised himself in disgust. The pleasure from a minute ago slowly drained out of him as he finally admitted to himself that Elizabeth Bennet was there to stay in his head and – in his heart, despite everything she had done or rather not done. With an inaudible groan he closed his eyes and tried to empty his mind of all thoughts. He rested his head on the tree trunk and waited for the place to rework its magic on him. In this desire he was aided by his tired body.

It was only a little while later when Poseidon lifted his gaze from the grass and looked at Darcy as he heard the sound of a soft snore. He nickered softly and then resigned himself to wait patiently for his master to wake up.

Later, Darcy was never sure what made him wake up with a jerk. For a moment he felt disoriented and closed his eyes again. He stood up after a while and swore under his breath as he looked at the sun. Its direction told him that he had been asleep for not less than two hours. A cursory glance at his pocket watch confirmed this. His carriage would have overtaken him long ago. Although he had told Banes not to look for him some strange feeling was unexpectedly making him quite eager to be on his way. After a quick drink of water for himself and Poseidon, a swift brush of his attire and an uncaring hand through his hair, he was riding out of the woods briskly.

~~~§~~~

Darcy had not been riding for long when he came upon a scene of a carriage accident. Intent on offering help to the occupants of the carriage, he brought Poseidon to a sudden halt and got down. He surveyed his surroundings as he swiftly tied Poseidon to a nearby tree. The way the carriage was situated suggested that like him it was also travelling towards the metropolis. The intermittent but heavy rainfall in the past week seemed to have taken its toll on the road. There was a deep rut filled with mud and dirty water, nearly in the middle of the road. The front right wheel of the carriage appeared to have fallen in it. If the marks on the ground were anything to go by the driver had tried to prevent the calamity, unfortunately unsuccessfully. The wheel, still stuck inside the rut was twisted severely. It had further damaged the front axle which appeared to have broken where the pole was attached to it. This Darcy felt was a blessing in disguise as snapping of the pole from the axle had resulted in detaching the horses from the carriage. 'Otherwise, God alone knows what havoc the driverless coach would have wrought,' he thought as he observed the unconscious man, presumably the coachman, lying on the ground, at a little distance from the carriage. Both the horses still with their harness on, were standing near a tree a few yards away and the broken portion of the pole was dangling behind them. Apart from the coachman, he could see two more occupants of the carriage– both women, lying prone on the ground. It worried him a little that he could not discern any movement from all the three victims of the unfortunate accident.

He first went to check on the coachman who was nearest to him. As Darcy drew near to the injured man it soon became evident that he had suffered a dislocation in his left shoulder. He appeared to have passed out because of the shock and pain since Darcy could not see any other major injury apart from a small gash to his head. Thankfully, his pulse also appeared to be quite steady. Darcy had learned how to put back a dislocated shoulder in the hunting fields eons ago. However, before he set to this task he thought it prudent to check on the remaining occupants of the carriage. He next went to a frail woman who had been flung quite a distance from the carriage. The lady appeared to be about sixty years of age and her clothes though clean were worn and faded. 'Maybe some poor farmer's wife,' he mused as he stood looking down at her sadly. Her staring eyes and the unnatural angle to her head had already told him that the poor woman was beyond human help. He gently closed her eyes and said a quick prayer for her before moving on to the last victim.

The second woman had fallen face down not too far away from the open carriage door which was tilting alarmingly on its hinges. There was something about the woman's rich dark hair that made his heartbeat just a little bit faster.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" He called out when he observed a slight movement in her right arm. He waited a while for a response but on not receiving one, he bent to carefully shift her position so that the woman was now facing upwards. He looked at her face and almost stumbled in shock. Facing him lay the unconscious form of Elizabeth Bennet!

"Miss Elizabeth!" He exclaimed, and winced when his voice came out unnaturally loud, but it had no effect on the inert woman on the ground. He spent an anxious minute or so examining her. There was a deep cut in her head that was bleeding quite steadily, if not profusely. A cursory look at the ground revealed the cause of the injury. When she had fallen her head had hit a sharp rock protruding out of the ground. Additionally, there were some abrasions on her left hand which seemed to have borne the brunt of her fall. There were no outward signs of any other injury from what he could observe. 'That gash on her head looks nasty and needs urgent attention,' Darcy thought worriedly as he squatted beside Elizabeth and gently brushed the hair from her forehead to get a closer look.

"First things first," he muttered after his examination as he sat down on the ground and started to untie the knot of his cravat. He gently lifted her head on to his leg, put a clean handkerchief over the wound and securely tied it with his cravat. By the time he had finished tying the bandage Elizbeth had started to stir. Suddenly she opened her eyes and stared straight into his own troubled ones.

Her eyes widened in shock and with a mumbled, "Mr Darcy! Am I never to have any peace again?" She closed them again with a soft moan.

~~~§~~~