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“My aunt said it is quite impossible that, of all the people in London, we should happen upon someone who grew up near Pemberley and who is related to someone you are acquainted with! And yet, the impossible occurred!”

“The impossible occurred, indeed,” Darcy replied absently, distracted by his thoughts.

“Aunt Matlock was pleased with Mrs. Gardiner, and she invited her for tea. I confess I am always happy to meet someone who has met our parents. I have so few memories of Mama that I wish to hear as much about her as possible.”

“I know, my dear,” Darcy said affectionately.

“I wonder whether you have met Mrs. Gardiner? Probably not — she must be at least ten years older than you. Her name was Madeleine Martin. She is the cousin of Mr. Martin, who owns the inn.”

“Is she?”

Georgiana’s lively voice contrasted with his disposition, which lowered with every moment.

He did not remember anyone with that name, but that did not even matter. Lady Matlock had invited Elizabeth’s aunt for tea. That must have been the aunt who lived near Cheapside — Miss Bingley had said so a while ago. What was she doing in Hyde Park? Surely Elizabeth had desired to take a walk — that was her pleasure. Of all the carriages in London and all the people in London, the fact that they had met was extraordinary.

“Yes, she is. Mr. Martin and his family are good people. Mrs. Reynolds always says so.”

“They are. That I can agree upon.”

“Brother, so they are the Bennet family you mentioned to me, are they not?”

“If they told you they live at Longbourn, Hertfordshire, then yes, they must be.”

“But, Brother, are you upset about something? Aunt Matlock said you would be amused, but I feel you are not entertained.”

“I am entertained, dearest. Only a little bit surprised, as you said.”

“Geoffrey said he would come for dinner tonight,” Georgiana continued.

“Good. I shall finish my letters by then.”

Georgiana left and — as never before — Darcy felt relieved by her departure. He still struggled to understand the bewildering news and to estimate the sort of consequences that fortuitous meeting would have. How long would Elizabeth be in London? At least until after the New Year, certainly. Why else would she come to London during Christmastime if not to spend it with her relatives?

There should not be much danger of him meeting her, since they lived a significant distance apart; but coincidences could happen. And what if Mrs. Gardiner accepted Lady Matlock’s invitation for tea? Would she take her nieces too? Would Georgiana meet them again?

And what about Miss Jane Bennet and Bingley? Bingley had been in a poor disposition lately, and he was still thinking of Hertfordshire — that was apparent. That simple encounter in the park could alter their lives dramatically.

Another thought that crossed his mind was related to Wickham. Elizabeth seemed to have been on friendly terms with the reprobate and trusted his claims. That was obvious from their harsh discussion at the Netherfield ball, the first and last time he had danced with her.

That scoundrel was in Meryton, at liberty to spread all sorts of falsehoods, and surely Elizabeth had trusted him even more as time passed. He panicked imagining that Elizabeth might meet Georgiana again and — in ignorance — mention something about Wickham. Georgiana’s distress was still vivid and tormented her enough without any further news about that villain.

Darcy could not settle his mind enough to write his letters — to Mrs. Reynolds at Pemberley and to his solicitors. The Matlocks’ youngest son — Colonel Geoffrey Fitzwilliam — arrived for dinner as promised, and they had a pleasant-enough evening, though Darcy’s thoughts returned to Elizabeth often.

“My mother told me about her unexpected meeting,” the colonel suddenly said. “Was the Miss Bennet they encountered the one you told me that Bingley admired?”

Darcy choked on his drink, while Georgiana’s expression revealed her curiosity.

“Yes, but this is not a subject for dinner conversation and certainly not in the presence of Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley.”

“I apologise, Darcy. I was not aware that there was an inappropriate story behind it.”

Georgiana looked puzzled now, and Darcy could not end the conversation abruptly, leaving his sister with the wrong impression.

“There is nothing inappropriate. Bingley did admire Miss Jane Bennet, but he came to realise she did not return his feelings. It happens all the time, even in the most honourable families.”

“Oh, I am sorry to hear that,” Georgiana replied. “Miss Bennet is the one with fair hair, is she not? She is very beautiful, and our aunt said she seemed to possess a sweet nature.”

“She is beautiful, and yes, she probably does possess a sweet nature. I saw nothing wanting in her manners. It was probably not meant to be. Some things happen — others do not.”