Chance Encounters

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives at Netherfield in a state of indignation and delivers an insult that nearly ended his future before it began. What if he did not go to Meryton that autumn and instead met Elizabeth Bennet later in London during the winter? What if their introduction was not an insult, but rather a challenge to smile, and how does the strength of an extraordinary couple help them to survive all that life sends their way?

Chance Encounters is a journey of the imagination, and explores how a resigned and wiser Elizabeth meets a hardened Darcy. It follows them and their families through their courtship, marriage, and beyond. Together they experience a mature love.

Linda Wells was born in 1966 in Pennsylvania. She earned a B.S. in Geography, and worked several years for engineering companies preparing environmental impact statements before marrying and becoming mom to her son Rick in 1993. His disabilities changed her life from career woman to stay-at-home mom. She looked for many outlets for creativity over the years, cooking, gardening, quilting, and never thought of writing until a certain man named Darcy stepped into her life.

Inspired by the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, she purchased a copy of Jane Austen’s novel, and fell under the spell of the unforgettable characters and story. Wondering about those characters eventually led her to discover the world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction, and after reading many stories, decided to write down the one that was nagging at her. Her first story, Chance Encounters, was self-published in September 2008, followed by Fate and Consequences in March 2009, and finally Perfect Fit in September 2009. She intends to self-publish Memory in 2010. She has many ideas for new stories, and with luck and a cooperative muse, they will be written too.